Can someone press charges against another for stealing prescription drugs? 12 Answers as of March 12, 2012

Theft is theft. If you have any evidence or proof, you can report it to the police. Being the only person with access is evidence.

Nobody can "press" criminal charges except for the prosecutor's office - either the District Attorney or other governmental prosecuting agency. The alleged victim can make a police report, but without proof sufficient to convince the prosecution to file charges, nothing will happen, no matter what they want.

Only the District Attorney can file criminal charges. Private individuals have no power to force him to do so. The notion that individuals can "press charges" is a common misconception. Individuals can report suspected crimes to the DA and urge him to file charges. But, he is under no obligation to do so. Whether or not the DA will file charges depends on two things 1) the seriousness of the charges and 2) the strength of the case. Based on the information you provided it appears that the "charges" are stealing prescription drugs from a household family member. How serious a "charge" this would be depends on what kind of drugs they were. The information provided makes it seem like the case isn't very strong as you indicate there is no evidence other than the word of the victim. Based on that information, I would say that, if the drugs weren't that significant, the DA probably won't file charges. If they were narcotics or other addictive drugs and/or drugs with a high resale value, he might. If you're concerned, you should consult an attorney in your area and provide him with more specific details.

Only the government can press charges.

Only the state can "press charges".

A private person could report that to the police, but the question of whether charges would ever be filed is solely up to the District Attorney.

First off, a person cannot 'press charges', this is a power that rests solely within the Office of the District Attorney. A police report would have to be filed then that information is passed onto the DA's office. The DA then decides whether charges are filed. I highly doubt a DA would press charges based on the facts you have given me.

They can report this and ask to press charges. However, this may be a tough case for the district attorney to prove at trial.

About the best you can do at this point is to alert the police by making a report, and/or the school if he is a minor. Keep the drugs under lock and key to prevent any additional losses. If the police want to investigate and find enough evidence to prosecute, it's up to them at that point.

It really depends on whether the police and the District Attorney feel there is enough evidence, and not whether the person wants to press charges. Consult an attorney who can assist you with explaining that you did not do it to the police.