How to Drop Criminal Charges

There are certain steps to take to drop criminal charges. In most situations, it is ultimately up to the prosecuting attorney or a judge to drop criminal charges. Criminal charges are serious, and there is no guarantee that they will be dropped.

• Call the Clerk of Courts to find out the case number and the name of the attorney prosecuting the case.


• Decide if contacting a criminal law attorney for advice could provide helpful information. Most of them offer free consultations, and it’s important to be prepared before meeting with the prosecuting attorney.


• Contact the state prosecution office and give them your name. Ask to speak with the prosecuting attorney and provide the case number. Request to set up a meeting with the attorney prosecuting the case. At this point, you’ll probably be directed to their secretary. Try to avoid letting them know over the phone that you want to drop criminal charges because this may delay the progress. If they ask for a reason why you want to meet with the prosecutor, just let them know you need to discuss the case.


• Meet with the prosecuting attorney, and let them know you want to drop criminal charges. Give them reason(s) why you want to drop criminal charges and provide them with any documentation supporting the reason(s) if possible. Answer any questions they may ask.


• Request that the prosecuting attorney's office follows up with you with the decision. Wait for a response!


• If the prosecuting attorney does not drop the criminal charges and if the case proceeds to trial, it is possible a judge may drop the charges.