If the victim later changes his or her story or takes back the statement altogether, it's known as recanting. This can happen at any time during the case, including at trial, but is often done early on in an attempt to get the charges dropped against the attacker.

Are you allowed to recant a statement?

Any person who gives a statement to the police may decide to recant that statement. But, even if a statement gets recanted, people must know that: a prosecutor can still choose to file criminal charges against a defendant, and.

Can I retract a statement given to police?

How to change or withdraw your statement. Tell the police officer in charge of the case as soon as possible. The police will probably want you to give evidence in court to help settle the case. ... If you want to withdraw your statement because you're worried about giving evidence, you should tell the police how you feel.