How Do I get a property damaged case dropped?

[serrrenity]

My jurisdiction is: North Carolina, USA

My jurisdiction is: North Carolina

I was at a local steak house last week where a mirror was broken. I was arrested & charged with property damage. I would like to pay the steakhouse directly for the damage and have the case dropped before it even goes to court. Is this possible? If so, how do I go about doing it? I was hoping I could approach the steakhouse manager, offer to pay for the damage and have him sign a paper stating that I paid and then take the paper to the courthouse.
Additional information
The broken mirror was an accident

 

[CdwJava]

Even if you pay the damage, the state can still go ahead and prosecute. Plus, your payment might be seen as an admission of guilt.

You might consider consulting legal counsel so that, perhaps, he or she can approach the steakhouse about restitution and also see if such an arrangement would satisfy the prosecutor as well.

- Carl