How Do I Withdraw A Criminal Charge?

If you are a victim of a crime and wish to withdraw a criminal charge, you should contact the District Attorney's Office and make an appointment to speak to the District Attorney Investigator or Assistant District Attorney who has been assigned the case.  In order to withdraw a charge, the District Attorney's Office must be convinced that there is no undue influence and that the dropping of the charges are in the best interest of the community.   The District Attorney's Office is not required to withdraw charges based on the request of the victim.  In certain domestic violence situations, a court appearance may be required before a withdrawal will be processed to assure that there is no external pressure being applied to the victim to withdraw the charges.

If you have filed a charge with the Justice of the Peace, and the District Attorney's Office determines that the charge was unwarranted or retaliatory, there may be a fee of $50.00 required to process the withdrawal form.