Legal Question in Criminal Law in Maryland

Plaintiff, witness, or litigant be charged with contempt for not appearing in co

Can a maryland plaintiff that would like to have charges dismissed for assault be charged with contempt for not appearing in court during the trial date? The Plaintiff has gone to the states attorney's office in an attempt to have the charges dismissed, but was informed there is nothing that can be done. This occured after numerous attempts of going to different judicial offices to have the charges dismissed and being informed of the same information.


Asked on 4/17/01, 10:43 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Re: Plaintiff, witness, or litigant be charged with contempt for not appearing i

In Maryland, once charges are filed, only the State's Attorney can dismiss them. As a general rule, they will do so only in open court, and not before trial. If the complaining witness does not appear on the trial date, the State's Attorney may ask the Court for an arrest warrant.

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Answered on 6/18/01, 3:36 pm


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