What is the purpose of a criminal complaint?

A criminal complaint is an official document that begins the criminal court process in South Carolina. It is the document that puts the criminal justice system in motion. The complaint is generally written by a law enforcement officer or a prosecuting attorney. The purpose of a criminal complaint is to formally notify a person of the charges brought against them. The criminal complaint contains details such as the name of the accused, the offense they are accused of committing, and the date and place of the alleged crime. This document must be taken to a magistrate or judge who will decide whether there is enough evidence to support the allegations to issue an arrest warrant or summons. The criminal complaint serves as the foundation of the criminal case. It is typically a requirement for the case to proceed to trial. It also serves as the core document a judge will use when deciding whether to release the accused on defendant will appear in court when required.">bail or keep them in custody while awaiting trial. In South Carolina, the criminal complaint is the first document in the criminal court process. It is an important document that initiates the criminal justice process and sets the foundation for a criminal trial.

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What is the purpose of a criminal complaint?

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