What is the purpose of a criminal complaint?

A criminal complaint is a document that officially charges an individual with a crime. A criminal complaint is usually issued by a prosecuting attorney or other law enforcement agent, and it explains the nature of the charges and the evidence that the prosecutor has against the accused. It is the first step in the criminal justice process and the purpose of a criminal complaint is to initiate criminal proceedings against a defendant. In South Carolina, criminal proceedings begin with a Criminal Complaint Form. This form must be signed by an authorized prosecuting attorney, and it names the accused, details the charges, and explains why the charges have been brought. The complaint must also include any relevant evidence the prosecutor has in support of the charges. This form is then filed with the appropriate court and a summons is issued, requiring the accused to appear before the judge. Once a criminal complaint is filed, the defendant is now subject to criminal investigation, and the prosecutor must prove the elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. The criminal complaint details the accusation and serves as the notice of the prosecution’s case against the person accused of a crime. Therefore, the purpose of a criminal complaint is to provide notice to the defendant of the charges against them and to begin the criminal justice process.

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What is the purpose of a criminal complaint?

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