Does the Victim Have to Testify
My question involves criminal law for the state of: Georgia
There is a fifteen year old girl that is pregnant by a 16 year old boy. Can the parent press charges? IF so, the the girl have to testify to get a conviction? What if any is the statue of limitations?
Re: Does the Victim Have to Testify
With respect to whether a victim has to testify that all depends on whether the offense can be established without their testimony--sometimes it can and sometimes it cannot--it is totally dependent upon the facts of the particular case.
Neither the parents nor the child decides whether to file charges and pursue a prosecution--that is a decision for the local prosecutor although he/she may abide by the parents/child's wishes.
Almost all crimes have a statute of limitations--they may be extended or tolled when the offense is alleged to have been perpetrated upon a minor.