Clear Answers from Texas Criminal Defense Attorneys
One of the most common misunderstandings in criminal law is the idea that an alleged victim can “drop the charges.” Television and movies make it seem simple—sign a form, change your mind, and the case disappears. In real life, especially in Texas, the process is very different.
At MC Criminal Law, we have created our FAQ Series to clear up legal myths and provide you with real answers based on how Texas courts actually operate. Our attorneys handle these situations every day, and we know how confusing and stressful the process can be when criminal charges involve people you care about.
FAQ: Can the alleged victim file “drop the charges” and make the State of Texas dismiss the case?
A criminal always has the “State” as the named party, which means that the alleged victim is not the decision maker regarding if charges go forward. However, one of the factors a prosecutor may consider is the “alleged victim’s” feelings.
MC Tip
These cases often have a defense that an experienced attorney can leverage for the charges to be dropped or reduced if brought to the attention of the prosecution early in the process. Each jurisdiction has its own process and key moments where it is important to push a defense for the best results. Involving an attorney familiar with that county and specializing in family violence defense could make all the difference.
Our criminal defense attorneys are well-known, respected, and familiar across DFW, specifically in Dallas County, Collin County, Denton County, Tarrant County, Kaufman County, Ellis County, and Rockwall County. Contact us today for a consultation.