Asked in Domestic Violence for Mississippi

Q: I pressed charges on my husband for domestic violence and it was a mistake. Am I allowed to drop them?

I did it out of anger and didn’t include the whole story and our daughter will be born in two weeks and I really need him there. They are saying I have to wait until court to drop the charges and even then it’s up to the District attorney. I need advice I’m freaking out!

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1 Lawyer Answer
Melissa L Gardner-Ardoin
Melissa L Gardner-Ardoin
Answered
  • Domestic Violence Lawyer
  • Olive Branch, MS
  • Licensed in Mississippi

A: What you were told is exactly right. The charge was brought by the State, not you. You are a witness. Whether it is dropped will be up to the prosecutor. This is done to insure that true perpetrators of violence are punished and victims are protected. Criminal charges of any kind should never be brought against a person out of anger, revenge, or harassment but out of a good faith belief that a crime has been committed.

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