How to Drop Charges of Domestic Violence Cases

Domestic violence has become a huge problem in today’s society. For this reason, it is difficult if not impossible to drop domestic violence charges. The prosecuting attorney has the ability to pick up the charges and continue with prosecution without the consent of the complaining witness.

1. Understand that even if you want to drop a charge of domestic violence you may not always be able to do so. The prosecuting attorney has the option to pick up the domestic violence charges on behalf of the state in which the charges are filed.


2. Contact the prosecuting attorney that is representing you in the case and make an appointment to come in and discuss the case with them.


3. Show up to the appointment on time and be ready to present facts on why you feel the domestic violence charges should be dismissed.


4. Give details as to why you are safe in the relationship, and explain the details pertaining to the current charges. If you elaborated on the details out of anger or spite, now is the time to provide this information to the prosecuting attorney.


5. Let the prosecuting attorney know that you would like the charges to be dropped and that if they are not able to be dropped, you would like the state to remove your name from the complaint.


6. Wait to see if the prosecuting attorney is going to allow the domestic violence charges to be dismissed. Once you have filed a request for dismissal of charge, it is not up to you if the charges are going to be dropped or not. It is up to the prosecuting state's attorney to determine if they feel that the charges are fictional and should be dropped or if they should be prosecuted.