What happens when someone presses charges against you?

Question

Do you get arrested or fined?

Answer 1

The first blogger is right, false allegations won't get you arrested, because there has to be some evidence that suggests that a crime occurred and that you are culpable for it.

It depends on what the charges are.  For most minor misdemeanors you will be summoned to appear in Court, if you fail to appear then they would issue a warrant for your arrest.  If the allegations are more serious misdemeanors, such as domestic violence assault or are felonies the Court will probably issue a warrant for your arrest and you will eventually be arrested.

The arrest and fine are two different things.  The fine is imposed after conviction and is part of the sentencing.

Answer 2

That depends on what the charges are, and where you live.

Most importantly, it depends on how much evidence there is against you. You don't automatically get jailed just because someone files a complaint, they must have evidence.

Assuming the charges are found to be true, you could be issued a citation and ordered into court. They could also send it to the prosecutor for review, in which case the prosecutor may issue a warrant, or he may issue a subpoena ordering you into court. Or, if it is a serious crime, they may arrest you on sight.

Answer 3

it depends on your age..if you are under 18 they will give you a citation  and release you to your parents and you will have a court date

if you are over 18 it depends on the crime

and the officer.. they can decide when they are going to take you into custody

Answer 4

You never said what it was so apparently, it is a case of "one's word against the other's word."

If you were not immediately arrested:

1. a detective is assigned to the case.

2. after investigation, the facts are sent to the DA.

3. if the DA  feels it is good case, he will issue a warrant to appear in court.

4. the presiding judge hears the facts and either dismisses on grounds of lack of evidence or non-appearance by the party pressing charges, or assigns a court date usually in about 6 to 8 months.

5.if there are no post-ponements, the case will proceed with a conclusion of either probation and fine, or merely a fine depending on the charges seriousness.

(oh, you always pay court cost....no matter what.)