Legal Question in Criminal Law in Louisiana

Why do I have to testify if I am the victim?

I have been ordered to testify against my boyfriend in a simple battery case. Here's the thing...I'm the victim and I DO NOT want to testify. How is this protecting the victim's rights? How can they make me do this even though I did not press charges but the state did?


Asked on 2/21/03, 9:50 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Nick Pizzolatto, Jr. Pizzolatto Law Office

Re: Why do I have to testify if I am the victim?

My only response is to speak to the DA and if that does not help, tell the judge your concerns and fears. I suspect either this is not the first time he has hurt you and you have dropped charges in the past, or he has a lengthy record, or he has a habit of hurting people and it is time he faces the consequences. As long as he gets away with it, he will continue doing it and maybe one day someone will die.

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Answered on 2/21/03, 9:55 am


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