Rule 3A:3. The Complaint

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Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia › Criminal Practice And Procedure › Part 3A - Criminal Practice And Procedure › Va. Sup. Ct. R. 3A:3

This text was captured on Aug 14, 2026. It is a snapshot, not a live feed, so check the official code before relying on it.

Text

The complaint must consist of sworn statements of a person or persons of facts

relating to the commission of an alleged offense. The statements must be made upon oath

before a magistrate empowered to issue arrest warrants. The magistrate may require the

sworn statements to be reduced to writing and signed if the complainant is a law-

enforcement officer, but must require the sworn statements to be reduced to writing if the

complainant is not a law enforcement officer.

PART THREE A

CRIMINAL PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE

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