What Is A Criminal Complaint? Understanding The Basics

A criminal complaint is a written document that outlines what crime or crimes the State believes you committed. The complaint states the crimes you are charged with and then has a written narrative of what allegedly happened.

You will receive a criminal complaint at the beginning of your case. You will review it with me when you receive the document. We will review the crimes you are charged with and the maximum penalties for those crimes. Most importantly, the criminal complaint is not evidence in your case. It will never be introduced as evidence in your case. Instead, it will inform how we proceed with the case moving forward.