The rights that a citizen seeks to enforce criminally are not private but are lodged in the state, although a citizen has a right to proceed in a civil action. [FN3] Once a private party alerts the court of alleged criminal activity through the filing of an application for issuance of a criminal complaint and the court responds to the application, the private party's rights have been satisfied.
A jurat is the bottom part of an affidavit where the officer certifies that the document was "sworn" before him. Jurat notarizations are required for transactions where the signer must attest to the content of the document, such as all affidavits and pleadings in court.
Pennsylvania Private Criminal Complaints for Arrest Warrants and/or Summons serve as legal documents filed by private individuals or entities in Pennsylvania to initiate criminal charges against an individual. These complaints enable private citizens to take legal action against someone they believe has committed a criminal offense, bypassing the involvement of law enforcement agencies. When filing a Private Criminal Complaint in Pennsylvania, the complainant becomes the "affine" and is responsible for gathering evidence, witnessing the alleged crime, and providing the necessary information for the complaint. Types of Private Criminal Complaints for Arrest Warrants and Summons in Pennsylvania may include: 1. Private Criminal Complaint for Arrest Warrant: This type of complaint is filed when the complainant believes that a crime has been committed, and the alleged offender needs to be arrested. The complainant must provide sufficient evidence to convince a judge that there is probable cause for an arrest warrant. Once the arrest warrant is issued, law enforcement agencies can apprehend the individual. 2. Private Criminal Complaint for Summons: Instead of seeking an arrest warrant, a complainant may file a complaint seeking to summon the alleged offender to court. This type of complaint may be used in cases where the alleged offense is not immediately dangerous or the offender is not considered a flight risk. If a judge finds sufficient evidence, they will issue a summons requiring the accused to appear in court on a specific date to address the charges filed against them. To file a Private Criminal Complaint for Arrest Warrant and/or Summons in Pennsylvania, certain information is required: 1. Complainant's Full Name and Contact Information: The person filing the complaint must provide their complete name, address, phone number, and email address. 2. Accused Individual's Full Name and Description: Details such as the accused person's full name, address, date of birth, physical appearance, and any known aliases should be included. 3. Description of the Alleged Crime: A thorough explanation of the offense committed must be provided, including the date, time, and location of the incident. The complainant should provide as much detail as possible to establish the basis for the complaint. 4. Witness Statements and Supporting Evidence: Any witnesses to the alleged crime should provide a detailed statement supporting the complaint. Additionally, any physical evidence, such as photographs, videos, or documents, should be submitted to strengthen the complaint. 5. Affidavit: The complainant must sign an affidavit, affirming that the information provided is true and accurate to the best of their knowledge. This affidavit acts as a legal statement made under penalty of perjury. Note: Filing Private Criminal Complaints in Pennsylvania requires a thorough understanding of the law and legal procedures. It is advisable to consult with an attorney or legal professional to ensure proper completion and submission of the complaint.
