Can cops charge someone for abuse even if the victim doesn't want to file?

Question

My friend's wife (supposedly) fell and got a black eye. Now he says that cops are trying to press abuse charges even though his wife wrote a statement saying she fell and it was an accident that she got the black eye from the fall. Can the cops charge him of anything? We live in hawaii

Answer 1

Yes they can.  It takes the responsibility off the victim to file the charges and gives it to the State.  That way, the victim doesn't have to worry about being pressured into telling the police that her abuser didn't do anything. A lot of times, the victims are threatened or coerced into telling the police that it really didn't happen.

Answer 2

It all depends.  Usually the police don't charge someone unless they have proof that shows more then a simple fall.  Think about it.. it takes quite a bit of force for a person to get a black eye and to get one from from a fall is rare.  So, it sounds as though your friend isn't coming clean and her body is showing signs that professionally trained police see that you and I don't that show signs of abuse.  I would recommend for your friend to seek legal advice immediately if they are going to try to charge him.  There has to be enough Probable Cause for them to charge him with anything.  A lawyer can help resolve this or defend him in this.  

Answer 3

Yes, they can. Most of the time they will not unless the abuse is pretty bad or they get more than one call  for the same offense. Most of these women are scared of their men so they won't press charges so in the interest and saftey of the woman, the cops will go ahead and press charges anyway. It is out of their hands. They will probably charge him with aggrevated assult 2 degree or something. Why do women always say they fell? They may be stupid for staying with this loser but do they think that everyone else is too?

Answer 4

yes they can, if they suspect something wrong, and they hope the wife will change her story later on. but if the wife won't witness for them, the charge won't stick

Answer 5

I don't know for sure - but the old 'fell down/black eye' excuse is as old as the 'ran into the door' excuse.

I don't buy it...

Answer 6

The D/A can pick it up and file their own charges in most domestic violence cases

Answer 7

Yes the cops can. The cop can be the complainant if the victim refuses and if there is enough evidence.