In domestic violence situations, the state may proceed with the prosecution even if the victim does not want to press charges. Washington takes this approach to protect victims from potential intimidation or coercion and to prevent repeat offenses.
Once criminal charges have been filed, the decision to drop (dismiss) them lies with the prosecuting attorney, not the victim. The victim's wishes and cooperation can influence the prosecution's decision but are not the sole determining factor.  In some cases, prosecutors may consider the victim's wishes, especially if the victim does not want to pursue the case or is uncooperative with the prosecution. However, other factors, such as the evidence available, the seriousness of the alleged assault, and public safety concerns, will also be considered when deciding how to proceed with the charges.
If you or someone you know is involved in an assault case and has concerns about the charges, seeking advice from a qualified criminal defense attorney is crucial to understanding the legal options and potential outcomes.