Domestic Violence Myth #1 of 4: The Victim can “drop” the case

Myth: The Victim can “drop” the case

The Truth: Once a criminal charge has been filed, the victim is not a party to the court case, but merely a witness. The case is between the Government and the defendant. The victim has no right to come into court and demand that the case be dismissed. Nor will their threats to lie on the witness stand, or no-show to court have this effect. Ultimately, victim participation is important to bringing most cases to trial. That doesn’t mean that the victim controls anything prior to the trial date.