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Should I sign the papers?
Anonymous3 views5 answers
Pulled over for a broken tail light, got caught with marijuana on 8/21. Today the officer comes to my work and says the the amount he put on the paperwork was incorrect and that I have to come to the station to sign paper to match the amount and to also be fingerprinted. I know he weighed it at the scene, we discussed the amount. What should I do, do I sign the papers or just avoid him until court on Tuesday (9/8). Thank you for your time, have a good night!
If anyone I cared about told me the police want him or her to drop by the station, I would say heck no -- talk to a criminal defense attorney first and I would give them some names! You are no different! Use this website to find a local attorney to give you guidance.
I would not do anything without speaking to a local attorney. That means avoid signing anything or talking to any law enforcement unless your attorney tells you to.
The officer probably wants you to go down to the station so they can squeeze a confession out of you or charge you with more crimes. If you see the officer again, the first - and only - words out your mouth should be "I want to speak to my lawyer." If you refuse to go down, they can get a warrant; but in NY, this means your right to counsel would attach & they couldn't get an admissible confession without your lawyer present; so, the officer going that route is unlikely.
Don't sweat the paperwork. I'm guessing the officer wants to increase the weight. If he messed up the paperwork by putting down too little, you don't need to assist them to prosecute your case. They might be able to amend the accusatory documents later on, but it's their problem - not yours.
Talk to a lawyer before your arraignment on the 8th. If you can't afford a lawyer, ask for the public defender the first chance you get.
I practice regularly in Buffalo City Court and am actually there tomorrow morning. I would advise you not to go into the station. If he typed the wrong weight in the documents, he will amend them and they will arraign you on the new charges in court and, if need be, take you downstairs to be re-printed. If you feel the need to discuss this matter beforehand, you can contact me this evening at (716) 812-4248.
