Sometimes, a person who laid a complaint with the police decides to withdraw the complaint.
Once the police is involved in the case, the plaintiff is considered a victim and a witness in terms of criminal procedures. The police is in charge of the complaint at this point. Although the plaintiff has no actual right to withdraw the complaint, the police will generally agree to a withdrawal, if it is a minor offence and the withdrawal does not interfere with public order (for instance, stealing from an employer or stealing between people who know each other). The police cannot cancel a complaint in cases of conjugal violence (assault, threats or harassment between people in a relationship or having been so). Nor is it possible if a victim who is a minor underwent violent attacks from an adult.
After a period going from a few hours to several months, the police lays official charges with a Justice of the peace. The case then becomes legal, and the Crown Prosecutor is in charge of the case. At this point, the person wishing to withdraw the complaint, as well as the defendant, may address a criminal lawyer to undertake negotiations with the Prosecutor in order to close the case.
It is officially forbidden for the defendants to exert pressure on the plaintiffs to have them withdraw a complaint. A simple offer to pay back damages in exchange for a withdrawal of the complaint could be considered an obstruction of justice.
Contact a criminal lawyer if you believe you are in a situation in which withdrawal of a complaint is possible.
