alt Hacker News> If you break into my house and then work with me to the best of your ability to pay me back or repair the window, does that change the potential of your being charged with a crime?
Yes, it does, because the damaged party is less likely to press charges. And when it came to sentencing, like you said, how the damaging party handled themselves would also be considered (in most western jurisdictions).
> less likely to press charges
It is an American Entertainment Industry misconception that victims (or anyone else) have the ability to tell the police or the prosecutors how and when to do their jobs.
Hypothetically, a private homeowner could choose not to report a break-in as a crime, since it wasn't violent, and it wasn't commercial property, and if the crooks are not gangstas or some other group-backed actor, then they could quietly put the crime to rest. This would also be a question of the insurance company's policy.
But if there were a crime that did damage, usually there is a question that comes up in the police report like, "as a victim, are you prepared to cooperate in the investigation?" and if you do not tick "yes" then you can probably count on nothing else being done whatsoever.
https://www.maricopa.gov/911/Remain-Silent
https://www.ajblawfirm.com/articles/understanding-pressing-c...