Lancaster, PA asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Virginia

Q: In va if a victim in abuse case doesn't press chargers and and the county issue a warrant

Can the magistrate be notified to have the case dropped if the victim isnt interested in pursuing legal action.

1 Lawyer Answer
Susan Fremit
Susan Fremit
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Spotsylvania, VA
  • Licensed in Virginia

A: Once the police or magistrate got involved, the situation is no longer in the control of the victim. It is now the prosecutor who the victim needs to convince to drop the charge. Generally speaking, prosecutors don't like to drop domestic assault charges, so to have any chance at obtaining this outcome, you need to hire a local experienced criminal defense attorney.

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