Can I get criminal charges against someone dropped?
You don't have the power to drop criminal charges against someone. Once you have reported a crime to the police and the police have laid charges, only the
The Crown reviews the that the police have gathered, including any statements you made, and decides how to move forward with the case. When deciding what to do with the charges, the Crown considers if:
- there is a reasonable prospect of conviction: which means there is a good possibility they can prove the person charged is guilty of the crime
- it's in the public interest to the crime: which means there are more benefits than disadvantages to society in prosecuting the person
Even if you are the victim, you don't get to decide what happens. But you can explain to the Crown why you feel the charges should be dropped. Or you can contact the Victim Witness Assistance Program (VWAP) and give a statement to explain why you'd like the criminal charges dropped.
Changing your report
It's a crime to lie to the police. So, if you told the police something that wasn't true when you reported the crime, you should tell them the truth as soon as possible.
Family violence
In cases of , an abusive partner or their family might try to threaten or force you to take back your statement to get the charges dropped. It's a crime for them to do that and they can be charged with a criminal .
If you fear for your safety or you're being pressured to take back your statement, you should tell the police.
Called as a witness
If you are the victim and the case goes to , you will probably be called as a witness. If you're called as a witness, you must tell the truth when you . Lying to the court is a crime. For more information on how to be a witness in a criminal trial, read I am a witness in a criminal trial, what do I need to know?
