Legal Question in Criminal Law in Virginia

class U robbery

would a robbery case be dismissed if the victim does not appear in court during preliminary hearing? The victim's a friend of the defendant and wants to drop charges but cannot. what can be done by the victim in order for the charges to be dropped?


Asked on 4/03/09, 10:34 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
James Bullard James A. Bullard, Jr., P.C.

Re: class U robbery

It is more likely that the case would be continued at least once and then nolle prossed if the victim did not show up at later hearings. If the victim does not show up he is subject to being show caused, meaning he will have to explain to a judge why didn't come to court and could get time in jail if convicted. The victim has no control over whether the charges get dropped, but he should express his opinion to the commonwealth attorney handling the case.

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Answered on 4/03/09, 10:47 am


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