Which statement about warrants and filings is accurate?

• A. A sworn complaint or probable cause affidavit must be on file before a warrant may be issued.
• B. A warrant may be issued without a complaint.
• C. A sworn complaint is optional for a warrant.
• D. A warrant may be issued only after a formal indictment.

Answer: (A)

A warrant can only be issued when there is probable cause shown in a sworn, on-file document such as a complaint or probable cause affidavit. This requirement ensures judicial oversight and protects constitutional rights by showing there is a factual basis for believing a crime has occurred or that evidence of a crime is located where the warrant seeks to search. An indictment is a formal charging document used later in the process, not a prerequisite to issuing a warrant, and a warrant is not issued simply because a formal indictment exists or is pending. A sworn complaint or affidavit being on file is the key element that authorizes the warrant, making that statement the accurate one.