A criminal complaint is a formal legal document that outlines allegations against an individual accused of committing a crime. It is typically filed by a law enforcement officer or a prosecutor and serves as the basis for initiating criminal proceedings. The complaint includes details such as the nature of the offense, the date and location of the incident, and the identity of the accused, often referred to as the defendant. Once a criminal complaint is filed, it may lead to an arrest warrant or a summons for the defendant to appear in court. The complaint is an essential step in the criminal justice process, ensuring that the accused is informed of the charges against them and allowing for a fair legal process to unfold.