Assault charge, but he doesn’t want to?

Question

My best friend punched her boyfriend when they got into an argument. A neighbour, creepily peering through their window saw this and called the police.

My friends boyfriend doesn’t want to charge her but the police do. This morning is her court date and her boyfriend went with her to explain that this whole thing is ridiculous. My friend didn’t call a lawyer as I had advised her but she and her boyfriend thought this was completely stupid that it would go away.

So her boyfriend was kicked out of the court house saying he and her weren’t allowed to be around each other so now he can’t say what he wanted to in front of the judge.

Is my friend going to have a chance? What could be the outcome? She is such a shy girl I’m worried for her.

, · Answer

Yeah...your friend sounds like she's really "shy" alright.   The prosecution takes domestic violence cases very seriously.   She needs to consult a lawyer who can review her case and advise her of her options.  This isn't "just going to go away."   I'm sure there's more to this story than you're telling.

GEEGEE · Answer

Creepily looking out the window?  Likely heard raised voices and looked out the window to check the situation out.
Ideally she can still get legal advise and move past this.

Mara · Answer

She should have listened to you and lawyered up, and I strongly advice you do the "told ya so," dance right in front of her because this is a bad situation to be in.  She is about to learn the very real lesson that actions have consequences in a very harsh way.  Each state handles these things differently, but sounds like wherever you are is pretty similar to where I am.  
The police absolutely have the right to press assault charges on behalf of victims, whether they want the charges dropped or not doesn't matter. On top of that, they have one witness willing to testify, and the fact that they both went to the courthouse to try and talk their way out of the situation just proves her guilt in the assault.  She is going to have charges filed against her, and from there all depends on the court system, the judge, and how graceful he feels.  It could be a simple small fine and some community service, or a large fine accompanied by a restraining order until she completes an anger management course.  Again, it goes case by case, state by state.

No matter the outcome, I really hope she takes a lesson out of all of this.  Always behave as if you are being watched, because you never know who's peeping on you, and at the end of the day 'sorry,' is just a word, that isn't even a proper bandage for the wound.

not · Answer

Your friend does have a chance. Being caught abusing her spouse now puts her in a position to reflect and become a better person.

eyecue_two · Answer

What a mess, Domestic violence is no joke..  This can impact her forever.  She wont be able to own a firearm, she wont be able to get certain jobs,  she now has a criminal history and a restraining order.  Time to take it seriously.

regerugged · Answer

The police are trained to handle domestic violence cases.  If they get any evidence of abuse, they charge the abuser no matter what the victim thinks.  You friend needs an attorney.

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Assault charge, but he doesn’t want to?

6 Answers