Assault Charge

My question involves criminal law for the state of: california

my sister in law found out the father of her child was cheating for two years and was actually living with the girl, she confronted them and punched the girl. two months later the state served him for child support papers he responded by telling her if she did not cancell it he was going to have his girlfriend press charges unless she dropped it. can she still press charges and can he do this

Yes, she can still request charges. No, it is no likely the DA would pursue it.

However, his threatening to have her pursue charges if she does not withdraw the child support papers would seem to be a pretty good example of extortion. She might consider contacting the police and reporting this. If they can get a recording of him making this threat to her he will probably be charged.

- Carl