[cat57]

When I was six onths pregnant the father of my child hit me and left marks. I called the police and he was charged with aggravated battery. I stupidly dropped the charges. We split up but see each other for visitation purposes. Within a year he hit me on four occassions while picking up or dropping off and I did nothing. The fifth time, I made a report. The officer said he would be arrested.

My question is, will the aggravated battery charge that was dropped still show on his record? Can they use that dropped charge as history? What is he likey to face with a simple domestic battery? Do I have to continue seeing him for visitation situations?

Thanks

[aaron]

You didn't indicate your state; but it is very likely that the prior arrest will be known to the prosecutor. But a dismissed charge carries a lot less weight than a charge that is prosecuted to conviction.

Perhaps you can either agree to make exchanges in a public location (e.g., a police station parking lot) or petition the court to order such public exchanges of the child.

[cat57]

We're in Florida