press charges

idiom

: to take legal action against someone : to officially accuse someone of a crime

He was caught shoplifting, but the store owner didn't press charges.

Examples of press charges in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Though a grand jury voted to indict Patsy and John for child abuse resulting in death and accessory to a crime in 1998, prosecutors declined to press charges against the couple due to a lack of evidence. —

Jessica Sager, People.com, 27 Nov. 2024 The Pinal County Attorney's Office declined to press charges against a former Arizona State University police chief who was under investigation for his handling of pro-Palestinian campus protests in Tempe in April. —

Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 26 Nov. 2024 Elmbrook School District won't press charges on minor, principal says The Elmbrook School District won't pursue criminal charges for the swatting incident due to the circumstances, according to principal Benotch. —

Bridget Fogarty, Journal Sentinel, 12 Sep. 2024 McCaskill decided to press charges and an investigation is ongoing, according to a follow-up Facebook post on Oct. 23. —

Colson Thayer, People.com, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for press charges

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“Press charges.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/press%20charges. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

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