- 1). Make sure you have standing to withdraw the shoplifting charge. Generally, only the person who lodged the criminal complaint can withdraw the charges. If you do not have standing to withdraw charges, you must show that you have the permission from the person who filed the complaint to make such a request.
- 2). Determine why you wish to withdraw the shoplifting charge. You must give convincing reasons for dropping the charges. If you have new evidence to show that the suspect is not guilty of the shoplifting charge, present this evidence when requesting the withdrawal of the charges.
- 3). Identify the prosecutor or attorney in charge of the case. Contact the prosecutor's office with the relevant information regarding the suspect, the events and, if available, the court docket number. Ask for the name and contact information of the attorney who is prosecuting the case.
- 4). Meet with the prosecutor to request the shoplifting charge be dropped. Keep in mind that charges are brought by the state, not by you, in criminal cases so charges may be withdrawn only at the discretion of the prosecutor. Make your case as convincing as possible.
- 5). Await the decision, which the prosecutor will contact with.
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