I am a victim. I did not press charges, but the state did. My relatives are saying that if I write a letter the state will

Attorney answers (4)

1. Licensed in WA

   

   Michael Morgan

   Seattle Criminal Defense Attorney

   Contributor Level 12

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   Answered September 02, 2012 10:03. I don't practice in Okanagan but after 14 hours sinceposting your question I suspect you are anxious for a response. The theory is that victims/alleged victims often recant sometimes under pressure from the perpetrator. Consequently, the fact a victim wants to drop charges is normally not a basis to drop charges

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2. Licensed in WA

   

   Scott LawrencePro

   Everett DUI / DWI Attorney

   Contributor Level 16

   

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   Answered September 02, 2012 11:58. A letter unlikely to convince the prosecutor to drop such serious charges. In addition, your relatives may be committing a felony themselves ("tampering wIth a witness"). You need to get out of that situation to a safer place. The prosecutor's office should have a victim's advocate that can help you find resources and communicate to the prosecutor what's happening.

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3. Licensed in WA

   

   Christopher Swaby

   Seattle Violent Crime Lawyer

   Contributor Level 13

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   Answered September 04, 2012 10:22. It is indeed out of your hands. If there was enough evidence to support the filing of charges, the state will likely go forward even if you dont want to. The state may listen to what you have to say regarding a potential plea offer or sentence if there is a conviction.
   
   The prosecutor's office will probably have a victims advocate and you should speak with that person. You obviously need some support and you are not receiving any from the people who should be supporting you. The allegations are serious and no one should be diminishing what appears to have happened to you.

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4. 

   Rixon Rafter

   Fairfax Litigation Lawyer

   Contributor Level 20

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   Answered September 02, 2012 10:16. Recommend you contact http://www.dshs.wa.gov/pdf/Publications/22-787.pdf and discussyour options--even if the accused is not a relative as well. They can help you better see how misguided your relative are--casting the accused as the victim instead of you.
   
   In many cases (I am NOT a WA state attorney) the procecutor makes the 'go-no go' decision based on the strentgh of evidence and sometimes victims are the subject of a material witness warrant to ensure they testify to the truth of what happened.

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