Judge Sets Further Hearing in Domestic Violence Case Despite Complaining Witness’s Request to Resolve Matter with Formal Apology
San Francisco Superior Court Judge Christopher Hu declined to dismiss a domestic violence case during a June 30 pretrial hearing, opting instead to schedule a subsequent court date despite the complaining witness’s stated willingness to accept an apology from the accused. Deputy District Attorney Samantha Zurcher requested further proceedings, asserting that prosecutorial decisions are typically independent of victim preferences, leading Judge Hu to grant the request while suggesting the defense file a motion to dismiss. The accused, charged with a misdemeanor for property damage, had reportedly paid for the damaged item and was participating in a voluntary domestic violence program.