Hillsboro, TN asked in Domestic Violence for Tennessee

Q: My ex boyfriend was charged with domestic abuse aggravated assault but I did not press charges do I have to go to court

I asked the cops to assist me in obtaining my possessions because my ex boyfriend refused to give them to me after an argument and he ended up leaving a bruise on my arm. I told 3 deputies I did not want charges pressed and I never did a statement or signed anything. They assisted me with getting my stuff and said I was free to go. He got arrested because he ran from the officers when they tried to talk to him and they charged him with domestic abuse aggravated assault. I never got anything saying I had to go to court but am I required to go and what will happen if I don’t go? It’s been 3 months and I already moved and don’t want anything to do with any of it.

Related Topics:
3 Lawyer Answers
Johnny Quitman Rasberry
Johnny Quitman Rasberry
Answered
  • Domestic Violence Lawyer
  • Cordova, TN
  • Licensed in Tennessee

A: The state can decide to charge him whether or not you want to have him charged. If you are served with a summons, then yes you have to go to court. Although in my experience, if the victim refuses to show up at court, the court issue a bench warrant. However, it is very possible that the court might issue such a warrant. No attorney can tell you not to show up if you are served with a summons. If served with a summons, your best action is to go to court and tell your side of the story and leave it in the court's hands.

Johnny Quitman Rasberry
Johnny Quitman Rasberry
Answered
  • Domestic Violence Lawyer
  • Cordova, TN
  • Licensed in Tennessee

A: Just to follow up on my previous answer, a summons or a subpoena act in the same manner in such cases. Again, the best action is to show up at court if you are served with either a summons or subpoena.

Anthony M. Avery
PREMIUM
Anthony M. Avery pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Knoxville, TN
  • Licensed in Tennessee

A: He is already charged with a Felony obviously. It is the State's case, not yours. If you do not show up to Court, then that is your business and decision. You probably do not know what actually happened here with the LEO's. The Defendant should not plead guilty to DV under any circumstances.

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.