Options Class
If you are a victim in a criminal case involving a violent offense and want to request the criminal case against the abuser be dismissed or to “drop charges,” you should contact our office to discuss your options. The decision to drop charges in any criminal prosecution can only be made by a prosecutor with the approval of a judge. The victim’s wishes alone do not dictate whether or not a case will be filed or dismissed. The Coryell County Crime Victims’ Office collaborates with Families in Crisis, Inc. and Lone Star Legal Aid to present information regarding the various options for victims. Please click on the link below for dates and times for the Coryell County Options Class. You must pre-register for the Options Class by contacting our office.
After completing the Options class, the victim may opt to sign an affidavit of non-prosecution, which is a legal form in which a victim of family violence states that they wish to drop charges against their abuser. The form must be notarized by a Notary Public and may or may not make an impact in the defendant’s case or stop the prosecution process against the defendant.
It is important to note that prosecutors in Coryell County believe that defendants should have some accountability for an act of violence against another person, regardless if the victim decides to drop charges. The majority of domestic violence cases are filed as misdemeanor offenses, although assaults with a deadly weapon or causing serious bodily injury or if there is a prior conviction for domestic violence will be filed as a felony. It is possible that an offender may receive a probated sentence or a pretrial diversion requiring him/her to attend anger management or a Battering Intervention Program and other programs, rather than simply be sentenced to a term of incarceration.
Options Class 2008
Battering Intervention and Prevention Program (BIPP)
Are you in an abusive relationship?