What is the purpose of a criminal complaint?

A criminal complaint is a document that serves as the formal accusation of a criminal offense. It is the first step in initiating a criminal prosecution in Arizona. The complaint must be filed with a court, and it outlines the alleged criminal conduct of the accused person. The purpose of a criminal complaint is to inform the defendant (the person being accused) of the charges against them and to begin the criminal proceedings. The complaint must provide sufficient facts to state a claim that the defendant committed a criminal offense in order for the proceedings to move forward. The complaint also serves as a warning to the defendant that they may be subject to arrest, prosecution, and incarceration if convicted of the alleged crime. Furthermore, a criminal complaint is a public record, so anyone can review the case details online. In Arizona, criminal complaints are usually filed with the court by law enforcement officers, charging officers (such as prosecutors), or a complaining witness (the person complaining of the crime). These parties can also amend the complaint if new evidence is discovered or if the defendant is accused of additional charges. In summary, the purpose of a criminal complaint in Arizona is to initiate criminal proceedings against the defendant, to inform the defendant of the charges filed against them, and to provide a public record of the case proceedings.

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What is the purpose of a criminal complaint?

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