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?
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.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
