Asked in Criminal Law for Texas

Q: Can a police officer dismiss charges of battery and assault once they've already been filed (on the date of trial) ?

On the same date as the trial, the police officer went to the court and dismissed the charges without my permission (I am the victim). We were both subpeaoned to be there in court. I think the accused mother influenced the police officer to drop the charges. I am so upset. I had a witness, she came to my home and gave me a black eye and knocked out my two front teeth (the day after my mother died and I missed her funeral because of this). Does the police officer have the right or authority to do this? He even took pictures of my injuries. Even the ADA told me it was ridiculous and to file a complaint with the police department.

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer

A: The police officer was likely not the one making this decision, these calls are normally made by the District Attorney. I would suggest contact victims services in your county and/or contact the District Attorney's Office directly.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.