Tampa, FL asked in Criminal Law, Federal Crimes and White Collar Crime for Florida

Q: Where do I file a legal and/or criminal complaint if parties are in different states?

I wanted to look into filing a complaint against against some people for possible crimes, such as hacking my company's website and blackmail over the computer/text. I live in FL, they live in CA, and these incidents took place while they were in NY and CA. Can I file claims and complaints with all 3 states, or only in the state where I live in? Do I also file with the FBI since it crossed state line and affects interstate commerce?

1 Lawyer Answer
Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
Answered
  • Freeeport, FL
  • Licensed in Florida

A: You do not "file" criminal complaints; a prosecuting attorney for one of the several jurisdictions involved would do that. You would contact the governmental agency (such as a district attorney or state attorney in California, New York, or Florida; the FBI or Justice Department for the federal government), and urge them to investigate.

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