FOCL Practice Test

In misdemeanor court cases, the charging instrument most commonly used is called an "Information." This term refers to a formal accusation that a person has committed a misdemeanor. An Information is typically filed by a prosecutor and outlines the specific charges against the accused, including relevant details about the alleged offense. This method of charging is distinct from other instruments like an indictment, which is more commonly used in felony cases and involves a formal grand jury process. The complaint generally serves as a preliminary document that may initiate the case but does not carry the same formal weight as an Information when it comes to presenting charges. "Sufficient cause" refers to the legal standard required to justify the issuance of a warrant or charges but is not itself a charging instrument. Thus, in the context of misdemeanor prosecution, the Information serves as the key document that lays out the charges formally and initiates legal proceedings.