If I am1 of 28 subpoenaed victims in a criminal trial, can I drop the charges and not testify?
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If I am1 of 28 subpoenaed victims in a criminal trial, can I drop the charges and not testify?
My car was broken into and my purse was stolen. I reported it to the police and 5 months later I was subpoenaed for 2 trials. They are continually postponed and I am petrified to face these criminals and I am need this ordeal behind me. Can I drop the charges and not testify?
Asked on November 28, 2011 under Criminal Law, Minnesota
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Unfortunately for you the charges cannot be dropped by you. Rather it is up to the district attorney's office to decide whether or not to pursue the charges against the accused person who supposedly broke into your car and stole your purse. The district attorney's office has the obligation to protect the people of your county in pursuing criminal matters.
If you are subpoenaed to attend trial, you are obligated to attend the trial. Failure to do so could result in an order to show cause issued against you by the court which could cause more problems for you than if you simply attended trial.
I suggest that you contact the attorney who is in charge of the case's prosecution to determine status for the upcoming trial.
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