What Happens After Filing a Criminal Complaint
“I filed a complaint… and now nothing.”
“I gave the police all the evidence. I clearly explained what happened. It’s been three weeks and I haven’t heard anything. No reply, no update. What am I supposed to do?”
This is a common experience. Filing a criminal complaint is not the start of a trial, but merely the first step. Every case unfolds differently. If you know what to expect and when to act, you can avoid disappointment — or even speed things up.
What people search for
How long does it take to process a criminal complaint?
When will I get a result?
What if the police don’t respond?
What to do if the complaint is dismissed?
📜 What you’ll learn in this article:
What happens after you file a criminal complaint
When and how the police start criminal proceedings
What the timelines are and what affects them
How to tell if your complaint is being taken seriously
When and how to take action if nothing is happening
🔍 Step-by-step breakdown
Receipt of complaint – the police register your submission and do an initial review
Preliminary examination – the police collect information, but formal proceedings haven’t started yet
Initiation of criminal proceedings – if there is reasonable suspicion of a crime
Notice of prosecution – issued against a specific person
Possible dismissal – if there’s not enough evidence or the matter is outside criminal jurisdiction
⏱️ How long does it take?
Preliminary review must be conducted without undue delay, but there’s no fixed deadline
If nothing happens within 30 days, it’s recommended to follow up or supplement the complaint
You will be notified if the case is dismissed or if charges are initiated
⚠️ What if nothing is happening?
❌ Authorities aren’t obliged to notify complainants immediately
❌ The police may dismiss a complaint without thorough investigation
✅ You have the right to request a status update
✅ You can file a complaint about police inaction or submit additional information
🧑⚖️ Advice from the lawyer:
✅ If there’s no progress, ask for an official update on your case
✅ Add more evidence to strengthen your complaint
✅ If your complaint is dismissed, you can review the file and file an objection
Filing the complaint isn’t enough — sometimes you have to follow up
📌 The police don’t investigate everything. But if you suspect a crime, you have the right to demand a response.
📞 I can help you monitor the case, file objections, or submit additional evidence.
💼 Price for follow-up and legal support: from CZK 4,500 + VAT
Contact a legal professional – I specialize in criminal law.
Learn more here.
- Publikováno:
- Naposledy aktualizováno: 09/07/2025
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What Happens After Filing a Criminal Complaint
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