# Fed. R. Crim. P. 3: Rule 3. The Complaint

> Federal · Court rules · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/FRULES_FRCRP_R3

## Section

- **Citation:** Fed. R. Crim. P. 3
- **Heading:** Rule 3. The Complaint
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Court rules
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure > Rule 3

## Text

The complaint is a written statement of the essential facts constituting the offense charged. Except as provided in Rule 4.1, it must be made under oath before a magistrate judge or, if none is reasonably available, before a state or local judicial officer.

## Nearby sections

- [Fed. R. Crim. P. 1 Rule 1. Scope; Definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/FRULES_FRCRP_R1.md)
- [Fed. R. Crim. P. 2 Rule 2. Interpretation](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/FRULES_FRCRP_R2.md)
- [Fed. R. Crim. P. 3 Rule 3. The Complaint](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/FRULES_FRCRP_R3.md)
- [Fed. R. Crim. P. 4 Rule 4. Arrest Warrant or Summons on a Complaint](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/FRULES_FRCRP_R4.md)
- [Fed. R. Crim. P. 4.1 Rule 4.1. Complaint, Warrant, or Summons by Telephone or Other](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/FRULES_FRCRP_R4.1.md)
- [Fed. R. Crim. P. 5 Rule 5. Initial Appearance](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/FRULES_FRCRP_R5.md)
- [Fed. R. Crim. P. 5.1 Rule 5.1. Preliminary Hearing](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/FRULES_FRCRP_R5.1.md)
- [Fed. R. Crim. P. 6 Rule 6. The Grand Jury](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/FRULES_FRCRP_R6.md)
- [Fed. R. Crim. P. 7 Rule 7. The Indictment and the Information](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/FRULES_FRCRP_R7.md)
- [Fed. R. Crim. P. 8 Rule 8. Joinder of Offenses or Defendants](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/FRULES_FRCRP_R8.md)
- [Fed. R. Crim. P. 9 Rule 9. Arrest Warrant or Summons on an Indictment or Information](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/FRULES_FRCRP_R9.md)
- [Fed. R. Crim. P. 10 Rule 10. Arraignment](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/FRULES_FRCRP_R10.md)
- [Fed. R. Crim. P. 11 Rule 11. Pleas](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/FRULES_FRCRP_R11.md)
- [Fed. R. Crim. P. 12 Rule 12. Pleadings and Pretrial Motions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/FRULES_FRCRP_R12.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/FRULES_FRCRP_R3. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.