Criminal Complaint
/ˈkrɪmɪnəl kəmˈplɛɪnt/
Definitions
- (n.) A formal written accusation submitted to a court alleging that a specified person has committed a criminal offense.
The prosecutor filed a criminal complaint to initiate the felony case.
Forms
- criminal complaints
Related terms
See also
Commentary
A criminal complaint typically serves as the initial pleading in misdemeanor or felony cases, distinguishing it from indictments, which are commonly returned by grand juries.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.