Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Criminal Law Procedures

What is the process used to withdraw a criminal charge before the trial begins?


Asked on 8/15/07, 5:07 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: Criminal Law Procedures

convincing the DA to drop it. Good luck!

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Answered on 8/15/07, 5:34 pm
Michael Meyer Law Ofc. Of Michael J. Meyer

Re: Criminal Law Procedures

If you are the person who made the charge, you COULD ask the DA to drop that charge. But the DA does NOT have to honor your request.

However, people who press charges are usually the principal witnesses that the DA would want to call at trial. Thus, expressing your desire to drop the charges might make the DA a little concerned that your testimony will not be what he or she expects it to be. The DA would then look to other witnesses for the same info, and might not call you as a trial witness. This depends on the facts of your case.

You should only press those charges about which you are serious.

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Answered on 8/15/07, 6:22 pm


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