The title of this post may leave some scratching their heads. Surely it’s obvious if someone has committed a crime against your person, your financial standing, or even your reputation? Well, not always. Sure, certain crimes, like theft, are obvious. But not all of them are.
This is because not everyone has a deep understanding of criminal law, which, is complex and has many interpretations. For example, what if I’ve lent someone a possession of mine expecting it back, and they don’t return it? When does that become theft? What are your options for resources here?
While it can’t hurt to contact law enforcement, explain the situation, and see what their perspective is, sometimes even intelligent and capable individuals aren’t sure when or why to do that. So, how can you tell if a crime has been committed against you? Let’s consider that, below:
Document The Details Of The Incident
It’s important to be clear about what happened. If you have a witness, records, or communications, you can use this to put together what happened and how it affected you. Write down your experience with as much detail as you can before you forget. It’s what law enforcement would advise. You can then consider exactly how this might have affected you, and tell your story to authorities, those who understand the law, or even trusted friends to consider the best outcome.
Understand The Definition Of A Given Crime
Now, you don’t have to have a crystal-clear understanding of all permutations of how a crime is defined before you contact authorities. They don’t expect you to be a law student before you report a difficulty. But it can be illuminating to understand exactly how certain treatment is classed. For example, domestic assault can take many forms, sometimes with financial abuse, and understanding that might help you understand exactly how important a resolution to your particular situation is.
Find A Safe Place
If you’re unsure exactly what might have taken place and feel unsafe, it’s important to find a protected area where you can wait until you escalate the issue. That might involve leaving your household with your child and staying with a relative for a little while. It might involve heading to a law firm, or a police station, or approaching a police officer. It may mean communicating your issue to as many people as possible, such as friends, relatives, and colleagues so they can help you find your feet more easily as you figure out your path forward.
Don’t Resolve The Issue Personally
Resolving an issue yourself can sometimes open you up to falling afoul of the law. For example, if you lend equipment to a friend, and they fail to return it, so you break in to take it back, that’s a crime and not canceled out by the original wrong that was imposed upon you. Always go through conventional routes and seek free citizens’ advice. It will help you through and through.
With this advice, you’re certain to better tell if a crime has been committed against you and move forward with a little more confidence.
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