Domestic Violence Case Disposition Checklist for Clerks

Mar 21, 2026

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When a domestic violence case is concluded and the judge renders a judgment, there are several critical steps that must be completed to ensure the case is properly documented and reported.

Following a consistent process helps ensure:

the court record reflects the judgment accurately
all required reporting is completed
the defendant, attorneys, and victim receive proper documentation
state systems are updated correctly

Below is a practical checklist to follow after disposition.

Step 1: Finalize and File the Court Order

Verify the court order has been signed by the judge
Stamp the order filed
Scan and upload the order into your case management system

Step 2: Enter the Case Disposition

Enter the disposition into your system
Post any fines, costs, or restitution
Generate the abstract of record

Step 3: Provide Required Copies

Send a copy of the abstract and certified copy of the order to the attorney of record

Step 4: Set Follow-Up Dates

Verify that any required dates are entered:
Due date
Review date
Probation date
Ensure all court-ordered requirements are properly noted

Step 5: Complete ATN / CIC Reporting

Complete the ATN disposition form and submit to CIC
or
If using a court abstract:
Ensure all required information is included
Submit the abstract to CIC

Accurate reporting ensures the defendant’s criminal history is properly updated.

Step 6: Address Bond (if applicable)

If the case is dismissed and a cash bond is on file:
Process the bond according to your court’s procedures and applicable statute

Step 7: Criminal Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO)

For domestic violence convictions, the court has authority to issue a criminal protection order.

Pursuant to Mississippi law:

Upon conviction, the court may issue a criminal protection order prohibiting the defendant from any contact with the victim. Municipal courts may issue these orders for a period not to exceed one (1) year.

Clerk responsibilities include:

Verify that the criminal DAPO was addressed by the judge
Ensure the order is completed on the standardized form provided on the MS Attorney General’s website (linked below)
Upload the order to the Mississippi Protection Order Registry within 24 hours
This includes weekends and holidays
Provide copies to:
- The defendant and/or their attorney
- The victim (if not already provided in court)
Notify your local law enforcement agency if required by your court’s procedure

CRIMINAL DOMESTIC ABUSE PROTECTION ORDER

Step 8: Domestic Violence Registry Reporting

Access the Mississippi Domestic Violence Registry
Enter the disposition information for the case
If the case is not found on the MS DVR – reach out to the arresting agency and ask that they enter it so that you can enter the disposition.

Final Review

Before closing the case, confirm:

✔ Court order is signed, filed, and scanned
✔ Disposition is entered correctly
✔ Abstract has been generated and sent
✔ ATN / CIC reporting is complete
✔ Protection order (if applicable) is entered and uploaded
✔ Domestic violence registry has been updated
✔ All parties have received required documentation

Final Thought

Following these steps—while adjusting as needed for your court’s specific procedures—helps ensure:

your records match the court’s judgment
required reporting is completed
protection orders are properly entered
criminal history records are accurate

Consistency in this process protects not only your court’s records, but also the integrity of the system as a whole.