Legal Question in Administrative Law in California

You assume too much. The criminal charges do not get dropped just because you pay. Consult with a local criminal defense attorney for the legal help you are going to need.

Criminal charges made by the district attorney (D.A.) after a police report don't get dropped by the defendant making a private settlement with the victim. If there are really formal criminal charges, you'll need an attorney's assistance, and if you cannot afford a defense attorney, the public defender will be assigned to represent you. Work closely with the deputy public defender assigned to your case. Making monetary restitution to the victim will go a long way toward getting the charges reduced, maybe dropped, or to your getting a lighter sentence. If you have no priors, I can't see your getting any jail time over this. However, you'll need to pay attention to the process and keep your court and lawyer appointments until it's over to avoid warrants and possibly losing your case because of inattention to details.

Though this is a criminal matter your attorney may be able to work out a civil compromise. You need to either hire an attorney or have the court appoint one. Then you need to work with your attorney. Tell him/her that you are interested in a civil compromise. If the attorney is able to work out a compromise this will not appear on your record.

Good Luck