When to drop charges in a domestic violence case?

If the victim claims the defendant severely beat him or her just minutes before police arrived but he/she only has a small red mark on his/her cheek and no swelling or bruising or other apparent injuries, a defense attorney could argue that the victim was likely not telling the truth about the event.

What to do if you are falsely charged with domestic violence?

If you have been falsely charged with domestic violence, then rest assured that you have defenses to the charge. You can argue that the violence never occurred or that you were actually the victim and acting in self-defense.

What happens if you have a domestic violence conviction?

Additionally, you may not be able to work in certain fields. Working with women, children or vulnerable positions will likely be out of the question if you have a domestic violence conviction. If you are a teacher, firefighter or police officer, your job may be in serious jeopardy.

How does a plea deal affect your clearance?

Plea deals/guilty conviction could have a serious impact on your clearance – but not as bad as you believe. Time and rehabilitation counts for a lot in the adjudication process. The job you are trying to get also matters. A domestic violence charge could prevent you from ever having a military or law enforcement (i.e. gun carrying) position.

What happens if you recant a domestic violence charge?

Unfortunately, even if the person recants, the state can still go ahead with a prosecution. Nevertheless, by recanting, the likelihood of prosecution decreases. In some states, the alleged victim can complete what is called an “affidavit of non-prosecution.”

How can I get a domestic violence charge removed from my record?

Most courts also let people submit written testimony and provide any supporting evidence with the motion or petition. Keep in mind, that whichever documents are filed with the court must also be provided to the prosecution. The court will review the petition and determine if you are eligible and deserving.

Can a charge of aggravated domestic violence be dropped?

If the charge is for inflicting a battery on a former spouse, the other parent, or a former cohabitant and the force applied resulted in a traumatic condition (any wound or injury regardless of severity), then there are additional elements: For an aggravated domestic violence charge, the intimate partner must have suffered a serious bodily injury.

What should I do if I get a domestic violence charge?

You should not speak to the prosecutor or police without an attorney. Pool whatever available resources you can in order to hire a qualified private lawyer. You may be offered a public defender or other court-appointed lawyer. These attorneys may not be able to devote sufficient time to your case.

Can a witness request that charges be dropped?

You can only request that the prosecution “drop the charges.” You can most accurately think of yourself as a witness to the crime against you. Witnesses represent the government to prosecute people who break the law. You are a witness for them, but not their client. While you do not have the authority to drop charges, you’re not totally powerless.

What should I do if I want to drop charges?

You can ask the state or federal government’s prosecutor to drop the charges, but they do not have to honor your request. A good prosecutor will usually take your wishes into account when considering what the appropriate punishment should be, but they make the final decision.

Do you have the power to drop a case?

They are the ones that have the power to drop the case or move forward with prosecution. You do not. You can only request that the prosecution “drop the charges.” You can most accurately think of yourself as a witness to the crime against you. Witnesses represent the government to prosecute people who break the law.

Is it possible to drop a domestic violence charge?

Dropping a domestic violence charge may be unlikely, but there may be other things you can do to protect yourself and your children. If you want to know more about your options when domestic violence charges are issued, you should contact a local family law attorney today.

Can a district attorney drop or dismiss a case?

The decision to file charges, reduce charges, prosecute a case or dismiss a case is solely at the discretion of the District Attorney or Prosecuting Attorney. If you, the “victim”, wishes to have the charges dropped or dismissed, you should talk with the D.A., which it appears you have already done.

What to do if prosecutor wants to drop charges?

Wait for the prosecutor to contact you. Law enforcement may ask for further information about the case. Making changes to a police report doesn’t guarantee that the prosecutor will drop the charges. If the case proceeds anyway, they may ask you to testify in court.

Can a DV case be dropped because of a change of heart?

It doesn’t work like that. Prosecutors will never drop charges just because the victim has had a change of heart/story. The fact is, in 95% of all DV cases the parties reconcile, and prosecutors and Judges are well aware of this. She needs a good lawyer.