Being charged with domestic violence can feel overwhelming, particularly because these cases involve someone you love. When domestic violence charges are levied, they usually come with a protective order that forbids you from having contact with the other party.
It may be tempting to try to get that party to drop the charges against you, but this can be a problematic situation. First, you often can’t have any contact with them. If you try to contact them, you could face the risk of new criminal charges. Second, the victim in these cases isn’t the one who decides if charges are pressed or remain.
The state brings the charges, not the victim
Once law enforcement is involved and a report is filed, the decision to pursue charges lies with the state—not the individual who made the complaint. This means that even if the alleged victim asks to “drop the charges,” the prosecution can still move forward.
Alaska, like many states, takes domestic violence seriously and doesn’t rely on the wishes of the victim to determine whether to continue the case. The state views domestic violence as a public safety concern and may proceed with charges even against the victim’s wishes. This is partly due to the potential for coercion or fear to influence a victim’s decision, which the legal system aims to guard against.
If you’re facing domestic violence charges, you should use your energy to work on your defense strategy. Working with legal guidance who can assist you with learning your options and getting your side of the matter set may be beneficial, particularly in these highly emotional situations.