Sheridan, IL asked in Domestic Violence for Ohio

Q: domestic case where i lied about being a whitness.why are they still trying to charge me if defendant dropped case

I was a part of a domestic case where I stated to police that I witnessed said act happen. I did not and later told cops I lied. Defendant dropped domestic case but they still trying to charge me with criminal charges for filing a false report. Can they still charge me even tho case has been canceled?

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2 Lawyer Answers
Roger  Bouchard
PREMIUM
Roger Bouchard
Answered
  • Domestic Violence Lawyer
  • CINCINNATI, OH
  • Licensed in Ohio

A: Yes. Obstruction of Official Business is what I assume you’re charged with. At the time you committed the crime, the case was not resolved. Your statement was part of what the police relied on as evidence of DV. By lying to the police, you obstructed their investigation. Therefore your charge is separate from the DV charge.

Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
Answered
  • Domestic Violence Lawyer
  • Cleveland, OH
  • Licensed in Ohio

A: Yes they can. Falsification is a separate crime completely apart from whatever else may or may not have happened. If anything the DV being dropped hurts you because it tends to suggest you did in fact lie. You should get an attorney.

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