If I were to press charges against somebody for assault, what happens? What is the typical process, both for them and for myself?
You don't. Criminal charges in the English legal system (UK, America, Canada, Australia, India etc) are pressed by the government, not the victim. All you do is make a police report. The authorities take it from there. Richard
When you sign a warrant against someone for assault press charges a police report explaining the circumstances of your complaint is forwarded to the District Attorneys Office. You should have already provided a sworn statement relating the events as they occurred. Once you sign the warrant the police will attempt to locate and arrest your assailant. After their arrest a court date is provided where the suspect will be told what the charges are against them. It will also be determined if they are represented by an attorney or if they wish to plea prior to a trial. If a plea is submitted, the court will sentence the suspect. If no plea is submitted, the trial date will be scheduled and the judge or jury will determine if the suspect is guilty or not at that trial. Then the suspect will be sentenced.
