It depends on the jurisdiction.
As you put the question out there, I’m going to assume that this was a simple (minor) assault charge, and the defendant was encouraged (ordered) to attend anger management classes as part of pre-trial intervention. Again, assuming this accused person doesn’t already have a criminal record, and that there were no orders of protection filed.
**I’m not a lawyer. I’m just a nut on the internet speak to a real lawyer for real answers**
In any case, no matter how complicated (or simple) this is – getting a ‘criminal charge’ is something that gets recorded by the police & courts – and is pretty much shared throughout the 50 states. If someone eventually wants to make sure that charges get resolved ( dismissed, not guilty, did what the court said – and you shouldn’t arrest me again) … it really needs to be done with the cooperation of the court. The person who was charged should have received some kind of written instructions. Check for those, or call the court where this happened.
Courts – like any State agency – are abounding with paperwork. They are just as likely to care about your particular case as the other 500 cases that got filed that week. The person who was involved here needs to make the effort to make sure this issue is closed. Things like this don’t just go away.
Even if the original judge (magistrate, counselor, whatever) said / wrote : ” Go to anger management class and all this will go away in 6 months.” — how does anyone know that the court actually received word that (a) the person did complete Anger Management class and (b) that anyone was supposed to dismiss/clear up this case?
Again – I’m not a lawyer. Me == nut.
This is someone’s life here… speak to a real lawyer who knows the local laws.
Domestic Abuse laws are likely to get tougher, not more relaxed.
If this person wants to be sure that charges are dismissed, or the case gets ‘expunged’ (all records get erased.. except for secret files that don’t really exist).. then this person needs to make darn sure – and get it in writing.
At least in my area of the US, domestic violence is a pretty bad rap. Right up there with kiddie-porn and animal killers. If ever arrested again, even for questioning, someone with a record of Domestic Violence is a lot more likely to be roughed up by police. This person will not be given the ‘benefit of doubt’ or any ‘police discretion’ – they will be ‘more guilty’, if there is such a thing.
Even when taken in to custody, other prisoners are more likely to attack or try to gang up on a domestic abuser than say, a burglar or armed robber.
**I’m not a lawyer. I’m just a nut on the internet speak to a real lawyer for real answers**

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