Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Pennsylvania

Re: Simple Assult Charge

You asked about dropping assault charges against a boyfriend.

You should reconsider. Go speak with a counselor at a women's shelter. Any attorney should tell you the same. Any prosecutor should also refuse to drop charges unless you have been properly counseled.

All evidence is that abusers continue to abuse. Alcohol is ABSOLUTELY no excuse. While you can't do anything about this person being the child's father there is no obligation have him in your life anymore.

You should also consider whether you even want this person in the child's life at all. You have the option of putting him on the birth certificate or not. Leaving him off the birth certificate would make it much easier to get him out of your life while it doesn't negatively affect your right to get child support.

Go get counseling at a women's shelter and then reconsider your position. I've seen many women who stay in bad and abusive relationships after being abused again and again.

Best wishes,

Re: Simple Assult Charge

Okay, well...you didn't need that preaching.

Here's the answer to your question.

If you don't testify against him, the charges will be dropped, unless there were other witnesses to the assault.

If you are subpoenaed to testify, you do have to show up, but they can't force you to testify.