An affidavit from the DA is typically used to obtain which document?

An affidavit from the DA is typically used to obtain which document?

• A. Warrant
• B. Complaint
• C. Summons
• D. Citation

Answer: (B)

In this process, a sworn statement from the prosecutor is used to start the criminal case by filing a formal charge with the court. That charging document is a complaint, which lays out the alleged offenses and the facts underpinning them, officially initiating the action. While warrants are sought to arrest or search based on probable cause, and summons or citations are other forms of court process or notices, they are not the document the prosecutor typically uses a DA’s affidavit to obtain when beginning the case.

In this process, a sworn statement from the prosecutor is used to start the criminal case by filing a formal charge with the court. That charging document is a complaint, which lays out the alleged offenses and the facts underpinning them, officially initiating the action. While warrants are sought to arrest or search based on probable cause, and summons or citations are other forms of court process or notices, they are not the document the prosecutor typically uses a DA’s affidavit to obtain when beginning the case.