Mr Checketts, in a public notice in yesterday's Central Otago News, said people who were in this situation "may be able to defend the charges", and offered them a free initial consultation.
When contacted by the Otago Daily Times yesterday, Mr Checketts explained his concerns about the police letter.
"You can't plead guilty to something when you don't know what you are pleading guilty to," he said.
"There is no question in my mind that the letter, on its face, is not correct, and they [police] should know that. They are the police and they should know what the law contains."
Senior Sergeant Jill Woods, of Alexandra, declined to comment on Mr Checketts' allegations.
Mr Checketts, who already has three clients who had signed the letters, said that while getting people to plead guilty by signing letters from the police only happens at the blossom festival, the practice itself was not wrong.
Instead, he was concerned about the letter itself.
"It won't be correct and could effectively be a miscarriage of justice."
Police made 76 arrests between the Blossom Festival Mardi Gras on Friday, September 24, and Sunday, September 26, for predominantly alcohol-related offences, such as breaching liquor bans, and disorder and fighting offences.
Those arrested are expected to appear in the Alexandra District Court on October 15.
- Joe Dodgshun
