Charge Reductions

Sometimes, we can work out a settlement with the Prosecutor's Office where they agree to change the nature of the charge against a Defendant.  For example, imagine we have a Defendant who is charged with Assault in the Fourth Degree - Domestic Violence.  We may be able to settle the case with a plea of Guilty to a non Domestic Violence charge like Disorderly Conduct - still a crime but a less serious one.

A Prosecutor may want to make an offer like this for several reasons:  First, they may have proof problems and are concerned that they will not be able to prove the Assault case.  Second, they may have a Defendant who has never been in trouble before and is accused of an action that is technically Assault but in reality is very minimal.

In addition to the possibility of Jail, fines, and classes, conviction for a  crime labeled "Domestic Violence" carries with it the loss of your right to own or possess firearms and the possibility of a No Contact Order.  Simply getting rid of the DV tag in non-felony cases will most likely eliminate the loss of your right to possess firearms and the No Contact Order.