Accusatory instrument - sustany/dvg GitHub Wiki

An accusatory instrument, similar to a criminal complaint, is a document which formally accuses a defendant of a criminal offense. Generally, this document must be signed by a party who has knowledge that the alleged criminal conduct took place. Failure to properly give the potential defendant an accusatory instrument can result in the case�s dismissal.�

The most common form of accusatory instrument is an indictment though many jurisdictions provide for alternative accusatory instruments for misdemeanors�and infractions, such as tickets.�