Can a victim drop charges in GA?

When police respond to a domestic violence call, they'll usually question the victim or witnesses to get their stories of what happened. Police may arrest the abuser and book them in jail. What happens then? Can the victim choose whether or not to press charges against the abuser? If the prosecutor charges the case, can the victim drop the charges? Here's the thing: It's not up to the victim.

Can a Victim Drop Domestic Violence Charges?

Victims may call 911 hoping to stop the violence they are facing at that moment, but they don't want the full force of the law coming down on their abuser. If police arrest the abuser and the prosecutor files charges, the victim has no authority to drop charges against their abuser—be it their spouse, husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, family member, or partner.

Criminal charging decisions don't rest with the victims; they rest with the government. Arrest decisions are made by the police officer, and prosecutors decide whether to file criminal charges. Much will depend on the circumstances of the incident, the state's laws, and local policies and procedures in domestic violence cases.

Domestic Violence Arrest Policies and Jail Holds

Some states' laws require police to arrest an alleged abuser and bring them to jail. These mandatory arrest policies and minimum jail holds (sometimes referred to as "cooling-off periods") kick in when police officers have probable cause to believe a suspect committed domestic violence. Even if state law doesn't have mandatory arrest policies, the responding police department might. Other jurisdictions have moved to pro-arrest policies that make arrests in domestic violence calls the preferred response, but not mandatory.

Domestic Violence "No Drop" or Pro-Prosecution Policies

Despite what TV and movies portray, victims don't press or drop charges. Prosecutors make these decisions. Having a cooperative victim testify makes the prosecution's job easier, but prosecutors don't need the victim's ok or cooperation to go ahead with the case.

Some prosecutors' offices have adopted evidence-based prosecution policies, meaning prosecutors must evaluate whether they can prove the case without the victim's willingness to cooperate or testify. The prosecution will be looking at physical evidence collected, medical reports, eyewitness accounts, and a defendant's prior record. A state or local government might even have a "no-drop" policy in domestic violence cases, which requires prosecutors to pursue charges over the victim's objections.

Coercion or Threats by the Defendant

The defendant might try to coerce or threaten the victim and demand that the victim recant (take back) their version of the events, refuse to testify, or request to drop the charges. Even if the defendant pressures the victim to do so, the prosecutor doesn't have to drop the charges—and probably won't. The prosecutor may decide to file additional charges, because threatening, coercing, and intimidating a witness is another crime. A defendant could also end up facing a no-contact order from the court.

Talk to a Lawyer or Victims' Advocate

While the prosecutor makes the charging decisions, victim input and safety are important in these cases. If you need help or assistance, reach out to a victim's advocate or consider hiring a family law attorney. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is another resource for those affected by domestic violence who need help and answers to questions.

In domestic cases, victims tend to think they can drop the charges, but that is not the case. Once an arrest is made, only the District Attorney can dismiss the charges single-handedly without cause within their discretion.

We touch on this a little more later in this blog. But, for now, let’s take a look at felony charges in Georgia.

Felony Charges in Georgia

Under Title 16 of the Georgia Code, crimes are categorized as misdemeanor or felony offenses. Felony charges in Georgia can vary in terms of severity of sentence, but all are punishable by imprisonment for more than one year. In contrast, misdemeanors are often defined as offenses punishable only by fines or by short terms of imprisonment in local jails.

Examples of felony offenses our office represents include:

• Drug possession;
• Vehicular homicide and felony DUI charges;
• Robbery, burglary, and other theft crimes;
• Assault and battery;
• Domestic violence.

Being charged with a felony in Georgia starts a complicated legal process that could take months or even years to complete. Any criminal law charge that results in a conviction will remain on your record and could prevent you from being eligible for jobs, student loans, or even housing. Working with a Georgia criminal defense attorney can help you take full advantage of your rights under that process.

5 Ways to Get Criminal Charges Reduced or Dismissed

Below are five of the most common ways to get criminal charges reduced or dismissed:

• show that there is a lack of probable cause to support the arrest or the charges – the charges get dismissed by a judge,
• present evidence that law enforcement violated your constitutional rights during the search or seizure,
• accept a plea agreement – district attorney reduces the charges,
• cooperate with prosecutors in another case, and
• enter and then complete a pretrial diversion program.

Some of these defense strategies may not be an option. A criminal defense lawyer can provide the legal advice you need to make an informed decision about how to fight your charges.

Contact a Savannah Felony Defense Lawyer Today 

A felony charge is serious, with potentially life-changing consequences. If you or someone you care about has been charged with a felony, you need a skilled and compassionate defense attorney to help you in your case. 

As a public defender and former assistant district attorney, I have faced off against criminal defense attorneys throughout Georgia. Transitioning to my private practice, I brought that experience and point of view to help my clients facing felony and misdemeanor charges. Call today or go online to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. 

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