The News & Observer of Raleigh reports the procedure has been used in at least 273 DWI cases in the past five years in Wake County. A judge, an attorney and a law clerk are facing charges for altering records in some of the cases.

 

Legal experts says the procedure was put in place to allow changes in clerical errors, but prosecutors and defense attorneys often use it to have evidence tossed or changed that would lessen penalties in drunken driving cases.

 

Experts say pressures to lessen court loads can lead to changing records so cases can be resolved quickly.