Q: If I don't prosecute my offender can I ask for compensation for my mental and emotional distress?
I live in Cleveland Ohio, I teach at a Middle School, one of my students threatened me (he wrote a hit list with my name and several other students' names with the intent of physically harming us) I filed a police report. Now the detective is asking me if I want to prosecute or not? I will have to contact the Juvenile Prosecutor if I decide to prosecute. If I don't, can I ask for compensation for emotional and mental distress caused. I left my teaching job, because I don't feel safe.
A: You could file a civil lawsuit against him instead of pursuing a criminal case. But if you choose to do so, expect the defense to note that you did not pursue criminal charges and argue that shows it wasn't a big deal.
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