A written formal charge against a criminal defendant which begins a criminal proceeding.

A written formal charge against a criminal defendant which begins a criminal proceeding.

• A. Information
• B. Guilty
• C. Jail
• D. Prosecutor / Prosecution

Answer: (A)

A written charge that begins a criminal proceeding is an information. This document is prepared by the prosecutor and formally accuses the defendant of a crime, outlining the essential facts and the statute violated so the court can initiate the case and schedule proceedings like arraignment and trial. It’s not a guilty plea or verdict, which occur after a trial, nor is it jail, which is a place of confinement after conviction. It isn’t the prosecutor or prosecution itself, which refers to the office bringing the case rather than the charging document. An information is used when an indictment isn’t required, yet a formal court proceeding is started.

A written charge that begins a criminal proceeding is an information. This document is prepared by the prosecutor and formally accuses the defendant of a crime, outlining the essential facts and the statute violated so the court can initiate the case and schedule proceedings like arraignment and trial. It’s not a guilty plea or verdict, which occur after a trial, nor is it jail, which is a place of confinement after conviction. It isn’t the prosecutor or prosecution itself, which refers to the office bringing the case rather than the charging document. An information is used when an indictment isn’t required, yet a formal court proceeding is started.