The short answer is no.
The Canadian criminal procedure does allow a private individual to press criminal charges against another private individual; however, it is rarely done, and the Crown Attorney (Prosecutors) usually take over private prosecutions.
Vast majority of criminal charges are laid by police or peace officers; charges are not laid by the person who called 911. The persons who called 911 are witnesses. They, as witnesses, have no say in whether the charges should be dropped or not.
Example: Domestic Assault
For example, if a wife reports her husband for assault and police are satisfied with reasonable and probable grounds, the husband will be charged. At this point, the wife has no say in whether the charges should be dropped, even if she changes her mind and simply wants the husband to be warned.
What Role Does the Crown Attorney Play?
The Crown Attorney may consider a complainant’s inputs; however, they are not bound by such inputs, as the Crown Attorney represent the public, not the complainants. The complainant’s interests do not override the public’s interests.
what if parties want to settle criminal charges privately?
In another scenario, the person facing potential criminal charges decided to settle privately with the wronged party by paying money, in exchange for not reporting the crime to the authorities.
This scheme poses a couple of issues: one, a contract prohibiting a party to report a crime is not legal: people cannot contract out their legal rights. Such contracts are not recognized to have legal forces. Two, paying money in exchange for not reporting a crime can be admissible evidence suggesting guilt. The legal term for such evidence is post-offence-conduct evidence.
Legal Risk: Incriminating Evidence
So, people who try to settle criminal charges privately may inadvertently produce incriminating evidence that is detrimental to their legal defence.
If you are charged with any criminal offences, please contact Jake Shen at 647-390-1131 or email Jake at jake.shen@11d.ca