Can avictim drop domestic violence charges?

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Can avictim drop domestic violence charges?

My husband was abusing me (verbally mostly) within 2 years of marriage. He started his rage by screaming and destroying our property (things inside the house). This last time I had enough and I was trying to call the police. He took cell phone while I was dialing 911 and broke it. Then he grabbed me on the neck and pushed me. He’s now charged with family assault and interfering with an emergency call. He asked me to drop the charges. He tells me that it in my interest since his lawyer told him that they will blame me in court and I can be charged with something. Is that true? I am a victim not him. What to do?

Asked on December 25, 2011 under Criminal Law, Texas

Answers:

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

First of all, a victim files a complaint; it is the prosecutor who decides whether or not to file charges. So you can't drop them even if you want to. Also, if you try to withdraw your complaint, it must still be investigated once made. If the prosecutor is of the belief that other evidence exists sufficient to obtain a conviction then the case will proceed, with or without your cooperation. Although the state's case would be stronger with it. The fact is that in these type cases, prosecutors are often very unwilling to simply drop them because they do not want to send the message to offenders that, if they can intimidate or otherwise unduly influence a victim, they can get away with what they have done. 

At this point, you have no choice but to wait to see what action the prosecutor decides on. You may also want to contact the prosecutor to let them know what is happening.

Note:  If you are subpoenaed to testify, you must show up or you can be held in contempt of court and risk jail.


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