Assault and battery

What is the name of your state? michigan
My son has been charged with assault and battery. His daughters mother does not want to press charges but a police report was filed and he was charged. He pleaded not gulity. He said she slapped him first and he than slapped her back. He took his son (from another girl) and left. He was contacted by the police and did turn himself in. He was convicted over a year ago for possession of marijuana. He does not have the money nor do I to afford an attorney. One will be appointed for him at his pre trial on May 1. What are his options? Is it very possible for him to go to jail even though his ex girlfriend does not want to press charges? Please advise on what his next steps should be. Thank you for your time.

Domestic violence is taken seriously by the state, and the state often goes ahead with prosecutions even when the victim does not want it. Since more than 3/4 of DV victims recant or change their story for a host of reasons, the state expects it to happen and often goes ahead anyway.

It sounds like they need - at the least - some counseling. A normal, healthy relationship does not involve physical violence.

- Carl

thank you. we are in the process right now to get him some counseling.