Mount Joy, PA asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Pennsylvania

Q: my mom pressed harrassment charges on me can she go drop the charges?

2 Lawyer Answers
Ryan L Hyde
Ryan L Hyde
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Exton , PA
  • Licensed in Pennsylvania

A: Pressing charges is a meaningless term, it confuses people because it makes people believe that as a witness you have any control over a case. Once an officer determines they are going to charge they charge. The complaining witness is just that, a witness. They will often times solicit the opinion of that person, but they do not have to take it into account. In short, your mom does not have the power to withdraw the charges. She can make her wishes known. But ultimately it is up to the charging authority, the officer, to determine whether or not to proceed with the case.

Kathryn Hilbush agrees with this answer

Kathryn Hilbush
Kathryn Hilbush
Answered
  • Domestic Violence Lawyer
  • Media, PA
  • Licensed in Pennsylvania

A: I agree with Mr. Hyde but want to add that, if your mother filed a private criminal complaint against you, she can probably ask that it be withdrawn or not prosecuted.

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.