Misdemeanor Compromises

What is a Misdemeanor Compromise?

A victim may choose to enter an agreement with a defendant, or the defendant’s attorney, in which the victim recommends that the charges against the defendant be dismissed. This generally occurs after the defendant has reimbursed the victim for any economic loss, or because a victim does not wish to prosecute. A victim’s decision to enter a compromise is strictly voluntary and should not be entered into until compensation has been received. The victim must sign a misdemeanor compromise before a Notary Public upon providing picture identification. The signed and notarized form is reviewed by a prosecutor and forwarded to a judge who makes the final decision.

Criminal Charges That Can Be Dismissed With a Misdemeanor Compromise

The only criminal charges that may be dismissed by this means are assault, criminal trespass, biting dog, threats, disorderly conduct, shoplifting, theft and criminal damage. All charges with a domestic-violence prefix are excluded from this list (for example DV-assault). After a victim completes the misdemeanor compromise paperwork, a prosecutor reviews the severity of the charge(s) and the judge makes the final decision for or against dismissal of the defendant’s charge(s).

View the Criminal Misdemeanor Compromise form and instructions(PDF, 14KB)

NOTE: Civil Compromises are no longer available for Civil Traffic cases

Contact Us

Contact Information

City Prosecutor's Office
103 East Alameda, Suite 501
Tucson, Arizona 85701

(520) 791-4104
Victim Assistance: (520) 791-5483
prosecutor@tucsonaz.gov
Defense Motions: CPLegal-Motions@tucsonaz.gov
8:00am - 5:00pm