Do the DA have a case if the evidence the state trooper sworn to and signed was a lie

Question

The state trooper signed aand sworn to a affidavit on June 3 2016 for a crime committed around 09/2015. In this affidavit it states he turned in crack cocain into evidence but the charge is for heroin... I was arrested 08/12/2016 and on 08/25/2016 I told my public defender about it and he without my knowledge or permission told the DA and had it changed to heroin on 08/25/2016... Need help

Ryan L Hyde · Answer

I will preface this by saying a mistake is different from a lie.  Only because I am not sure what happened with your case.  The Commonwealth has the legal right to amend the charges up to the time where the jury is sworn in a matter.  Your remedy would be a continuance.  The fact that this was changed does not mean that you do not have a defense based on the officers mistake.  The complaint is a useless document what matters to you is what is in discovery.  In your position, represented by counsel, you need to voice your concerns to your public defender about what he/she did.  If you do not receive an adequate response you can attempt to retain private counsel.  Remember, just because they fixed it, doesnt mean a mistake wasnt made and that is something that can be brought before the trier of fact.  I will say this, a mistake in a document has never been cause for them to dismiss a case.  It has, however, been ground for a trier of fact to acquit.  Have a conversation with your PD and make sure your interests are being fairly represented.  If not, you can always retain separate counsel to represent you.

Q: Do the DA have a case if the evidence the state trooper sworn to and signed was a lie