If a witness doesn’t show up to court, do charges have to be dropped?

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If a witness doesn’t show up to court, do charges have to be dropped?

My girlfriend had me arrested for simple assault and aggravated assault but doesn’t want to continue threw the legal system but through counseling instead.

Asked on December 26, 2017 under Criminal Law, Pennsylvania

Answers:

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

Answered 6 years ago | Contributor

I'm afraid that whether or not to bring or drop criminal charges is up to the state and not the victim. The fact is that in these type cases (i.e. domestic assault), many times the abuser tries to intimidate or otherwise threaten the victim, therefore if there is enough other evidence to support a conviction, the case will still move forward.

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

Answered 6 years ago | Contributor

I'm afraid that whether or not to bring or drop criminal charges is up to the state and not the victim. The fact is that in these type cases (i.e. domestic assault), many times the abuser tries to intimidate or otherwise threaten the victim, therefore if there is enough other evidence to support a conviction, the case will still move forward. 


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