Legal Question in Criminal Law in Pennsylvania

I had pressed harrassement charges against my partner and i want to drop them i went to the magestrate's office to do so but was told i could not. I was also told that if i did not show up for the hearing i would be held in contempt of court. I felt very pressured to file the charge by the police office who made me feel very small. I need to know how to get this charge dropped and have us move on with out situation. I was also told by the police officer that i better not drop the charges i felt that was a threat


Asked on 4/19/13, 8:59 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Debra Rainey The Law Office of Debra D. Rainey

Unfortunately, you are in a difficult position. If you don't show up you could be held in contempt of court or worse face a criminal charge of filing a false report. On the other hand if you do show up you will be bound to tell exactly that which you put in your complaint or you could face the same consequences as above.

Tell the truth to the Magistrate and explain your actions. Let the Magistrate know the events leading up to your complaint. Be honest that you did not want to file but felt pressured and explain how you felt pressure. You always have the right to withdraw a complaint but there may be fines and other costs that you may be hit with like the cost of the police response, so be certain of what you want to do.

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Answered on 5/07/13, 4:12 pm


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