press charges

present singular third person presses charges · participle present pressing charges · participle past pressed charges · past pressed charges

1. To formally accuse a person of a crime, especially by an ordinary person.

   I'm pressing charges against you for assaulting me.

   2 more examples

   Of course, I have no intention of pressing any charge!

   1942 June 16, Jerry Siegel, “The Case of the Crimeless Crimes”, in Action Comics, volume 1, number 51, page 10

   "Still, it's not as though women don't commit acts of violence. She herself is a prime example, otherwise we wouldn't even be talking about this. I'm pretty sure you'd be within your right to press charges."

   2015 August 11, Jocelyn Samara D., Rain (webcomic), Comic 713 - I'm Done

   Synonyms: complain, accuse, file a complaint, file charges