---
url: 'https://ice.giglio-bradylist.com/prosecutor-complaint-categories/duty/overcharging'
title: Overcharging
author:
  name: Anonymous
updated: '2025-09-22T20:41:34+00:00'
type: prosecutor_complaint_categories
summary: '"Overcharging" refers to a prosecutor bringing excessive or unwarranted charges against a defendant in a criminal case. This can occur when a prosecutor deliberately or recklessly charges someone with more crimes or more serious crimes than the evidence supports. The goal of overcharging may be to increase the chances of a conviction, to pressure the defendant into accepting a plea bargain, or to increase the potential sentence in the event of a conviction. Prosecutor misconduct of this type can undermine the integrity of the criminal justice system and result in wrongful convictions.'
tags:
  - 'On Duty'
published: true
---
"Overcharging" refers to a prosecutor bringing excessive or unwarranted charges against a defendant in a criminal case. This can occur when a prosecutor deliberately or recklessly charges someone with more crimes or more serious crimes than the evidence supports. The goal of overcharging may be to increase the chances of a conviction, to pressure the defendant into accepting a plea bargain, or to increase the potential sentence in the event of a conviction. Prosecutor misconduct of this type can undermine the integrity of the criminal justice system and result in wrongful convictions.