A misdemeanor compromise is an agreement between the crime victim and the defendant, or the defendant’s attorney, in which the victim recommends that the charges in which s/he is the victim be dismissed.
This generally occurs after the defendant has reimbursed a 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.
The only cases that may be dismissed by this means are assault, trespass, biting dog, threats, disorderly conduct, shoplifting, theft, and certain criminal damage cases.
The victim must sign a misdemeanor compromise before a Notary Public, upon providing picture identification. After a victim completes the misdemeanor compromise paperwork, the prosecutor reviews the severity of the charge(s), and the judge makes the final decision for or against dismissal of the charge(s) against the defendant.
Misdemeanor Compromise Form(PDF, 14KB)