Can an officer change the charge he gives you?
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Can an officer change the charge he gives you?
I currently have an occupational license,
regular license was revoked for 9 months for an
OWI. I was pulled over after the officer ran my
plates and I had been driving to work a half
hour prior to my established time. I will be
adjusting my occupational schedule soon. The
officer gave me a 200 ticket for a license
restriction violation and told me if I go to
court, have the schedule changed, it might be
reduced. A week later I received a letter with
a change in court date along with a new ticket
for operating while revoked by the same officer
which has me very worried as I understand how
serious that offense can be. I’ve complied with
everything else including an IID in my car
and completing the driver’s safety plan related
to the OWI. Any advice is much appreciated.
Asked on September 19, 2018 under General Practice, Wisconsin
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
Yes, they can do this. Charges may be changed by the authorities (e.g. prosecutor or officer) pre-trial. You see this all the time in the news, in regards to more serious charges (such as for corrupt politicians, gang members, organized crime figures, etc.)--charges are added, dropped, upgraded, downgraded, changed, etc. The same principal applies here: the authorities are not bound to what they first charged you with.
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