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    As a former Deputy Public Defender in Riverside County, Mr. Donath has always been on the defense side of the law. 

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    Top 100 Trial Attorneys in California 2012-2014, 2008 Trial Attorney of the Year by the Riverside County Public Defender's Office, and dozens of other awards and accolades.

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Can Domestic Violence Charges Be Dropped?

Posted in Criminal Defense,Domestic Violence,Domestic Violence FAQ'S on May 24, 2019

Domestic violence is a crime with many common misconceptions. One is that the victim can choose to drop the charges against the alleged attacker after calling the police. This is not the case. Once someone contacts law enforcement about domestic violence, it becomes the city’s decision to prosecute, regardless of the wishes of the victim. If the city has enough evidence, it may decide to prosecute even if the victim calls to drop the charges.

Can Domestic Violence Charges Be Dropped in California?

Domestic violence situations are often tense, chaotic, emotional, and confusing. This can lead to spouses calling the police when they do not actually mean to accuse someone of domestic violence. Some people call the police to threaten or intimidate the alleged attacker, while others do so out of anger or spite. Some victims may have actually suffered a form of domestic abuse, but do not wish to see their spouse get into trouble.

No matter what reason the victim has for regretting or rescinding his or her accusation, once the victim calls the police, the matter is out of the victim’s hands. Once police are involved, the victim cannot dismiss domestic violence charges. The victim can call and express his or her wishes not to press charges, but that is the extent of the victim’s abilities. It is ultimately up to the prosecution to decide whether to charge the assailant with domestic violence based on the available evidence or circumstances.

Reasons why a domestic violence charge may be dropped

The only party that can drop domestic violence charges is the district attorney. The district attorney represents the state, and the only party with the power to dismiss domestic violence allegations at the court level. Although it is police officers that respond to the call, they file reports to the district attorney. Then, the state government is in charge of either pressing or dropping the charges. Victims can, however, take certain actions to increase the likelihood of the state dismissing the case.

If you have specific questions about your case, contact Riverside domestic violence attorney, Graham Donath, free consultations are available. Call our Riverside office today at  (951) 667-5293

Contact The Law Offices of Graham D. Donath

Hiring an attorney can help a victim explain why he or she wants to drop the charges, as well as make it easier to file an affidavit of non-prosecution. Contact the Law Offices of Graham D. Donath, APC for domestic violence counseling. Our Riverside criminal defense attorneys can help you and your family work through this difficult time.