Home – Practice Areas – Q and A - DWI - Pending Compalint
I am charged with a DWI with “probable cause pending complaint”.
What does this mean?
Criminal Defense Answer
In Minnesota, you can be charged with a DWI either by (1) a tab charge, (2) a citation, or (3) a complaint. For misdemeanor level DWIs, a complaint is not required, although it can be demanded. A tab charge and a citation are typically issued by a law enforcement officer. A complaint is issued by a prosecutor after reviewing the police reports submitted by law enforcement. A tab charge only details the statute or ordinance that you are accused of violating, whereas, a complaint will detail the facts establishing probable cause to believe the charged offense has been committed.