Which statement about notice when a complaint is filed is correct?

• A. The defendant must be notified immediately at filing.
• B. The defendant must be notified at least one week before any proceeding.
• C. Defendants are entitled to notice not later than the day before any proceeding in the prosecution.
• D. Notice is only required if the defendant requests it.

Answer: (C)

Notice to the defendant must be provided in time for preparation, not later than the day before any proceeding. This requirement protects due process by giving the person charged a real opportunity to understand the accusation, consult counsel, review the evidence, and prepare a defense before any court action occurs. It isn’t about an immediate notice at filing or a fixed one-week lead time; it also isn’t dependent on the defendant requesting notice. The rule ensures a reasonable, timely notice standard that applies to all proceedings, such as arraignment, pretrial, and trial.