How long after an incident occurs can I file a police report?
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How long after an incident occurs can I file a police report?
My friend injured me on a Sunday. I may have to file a police report but I am undecided. I am wondering if there is a time limit on when I can file the report.
Asked on October 17, 2011 under Criminal Law, Colorado
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
The general practice in the area of criminal complaints is that it is best to file a complaint against the person that supposedly did something wrong sooner rather than later. There is no set time period for contacting law enforcement about an incident, but the longer one waits to make the report, the less likely law enforcement will act upon it unless the incident pertains to a serious offense.
Whether or not you ulitmately decide to file a police report concerning the incident that presumably occurred last Sunday is up to you. However, the longer you delay in making the report, the more questions you will face from law enforcement when they take it as to the reasons for the delay.
Good luck.
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