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
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.