“Prosecutors are the ones that decide whether to go forward, regardless of whether a victim wants to testify,” Smith said. “Those criminal charges should be based on the totality of the evidence. If furniture was broken, and there is other evidence, and other witnesses, they can choose to continue to pursue the case. What prosecutors should understand is this is their chance to intervene. If you can step in and take care of it earlier, you’re less likely to see them again down the line.”