I was arrested in Suffolk County.
Can domestic violence charges be dropped if the person on the other side does not want to go forward?
Former Suffolk County Assistant District Attorneys

Daniel G. Rodgers, PLLC
Location:
Hauppauge, NY
53 Hill Street
Southampton, NY
Contact: 631-627-0089
I was arrested in Suffolk County. Can domestic violence charges be dropped if the person on the other side does not want to go forward?
Charges may be dismissed; however, the decision rests entirely with the District Attorney's Office, not the person pressing charges. The theory is that the prosecution is between the "People of the State of New York v. defendant." That is because the laws in New York are written so that the state has a vested interest in the outcome of the charges. Further, the court will want to know if the person pressing charges has been pressured to drop the charges.



West Office
400 Town Line Road, # 107
Hauppauge, New York 11788
East End Office
53 Hill Street
Southampton, New York 11968
We are a Suffolk County criminal defense law firm serving the Suffolk County Towns of Huntington, Babylon, Smithtown, Islip, and Brookhaven, including the East End Towns of East Hampton, Southampton, Southold, Riverhead, and Shelter Island.
Please note the information in the blog below is not legal advice and is for informational purposes only.
Suffolk County Holoday DWI Patrols
Suffolk County DWI arrests increase significantly in Suffolk County and across NY State during holiday periods like Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's, due to more parties,…
December 23, 2025
DWI Driving while impaired - drugs
Getting arrested for driving while impaired by drugs (DWAI-Drugs) such as marijuana in Suffolk County, New York is a very serious matter. The courts and the District Attorney…
November 5, 2025
Advice From a Criminal Lawyer in Suffolk
Good advice from a criminal lawyer in Suffolk County, New York: The Right to Remain Silent: Always exercise your right to remain silent when being questioned by Suffolk County…
October 14, 2025
Aggravated DWI In Suffolk County NY
A first-offense Aggravated DWI conviction (BAC of 0.18%+) in Suffolk County New York carries serious penalties, including fines of $1,000-$2,500, a year in jail, and a mandatory…
September 12, 2025
Smoking Marijuana and Driving
It is illegal to smoke or vape marijuana in a vehicle while driving in Suffolk County, New York. Driving while impaired by marijuana is also illegal. Important factors: Open…
July 18, 2025
Holiday DWI Enforcement Suffolk County
In Suffolk County, New York, police officials will increase DWI patrol units and checkpoints over the Fourth of July weekend and throughout the summer to enforce DWI impaired…
July 4, 2025

