# Va. Sup. Ct. R. 3A:3: Rule 3A:3. The Complaint

> Virginia · Court rules · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_VA_P3A_R3A_3

## Section

- **Citation:** Va. Sup. Ct. R. 3A:3
- **Heading:** Rule 3A:3. The Complaint
- **Jurisdiction:** Virginia
- **Kind:** Court rules
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia / Criminal Practice And Procedure / Part 3A - Criminal Practice And Procedure / Va. Sup. Ct. R. 3A:3

## 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

## Nearby sections

- [Va. Sup. Ct. R. 3A:1 Rule 3A:1. Scope](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_VA_P3A_R3A_1.md)
- [Va. Sup. Ct. R. 3A:2 Rule 3A:2. Purpose and Interpretation; Definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_VA_P3A_R3A_2.md)
- [Va. Sup. Ct. R. 3A:2.1 Rule 3A:2.1. Venue in Criminal Cases](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_VA_P3A_R3A_2_1.md)
- [Va. Sup. Ct. R. 3A:3 Rule 3A:3. The Complaint](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_VA_P3A_R3A_3.md)
- [Va. Sup. Ct. R. 3A:4 Rule 3A:4. Arrest Warrant or Summons](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_VA_P3A_R3A_4.md)
- [Va. Sup. Ct. R. 3A:5 Rule 3A:5. The Grand Jury](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_VA_P3A_R3A_5.md)
- [Va. Sup. Ct. R. 3A:6 Rule 3A:6. The Indictment and the Information](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_VA_P3A_R3A_6.md)
- [Va. Sup. Ct. R. 3A:7 Rule 3A:7. Capias or Summons Upon Indictment or Information](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_VA_P3A_R3A_7.md)
- [Va. Sup. Ct. R. 3A:8 Rule 3A:8. Pleas](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_VA_P3A_R3A_8.md)
- [Va. Sup. Ct. R. 3A:9 Rule 3A:9. Pleadings and Motions for Trial; Defenses and Objections](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_VA_P3A_R3A_9.md)
- [Va. Sup. Ct. R. 3A:10 Rule 3A:10. Trial Together of More Than One Accused or More Than One](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_VA_P3A_R3A_10.md)
- [Va. Sup. Ct. R. 3A:11 Rule 3A:11. Discovery and Inspection](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_VA_P3A_R3A_11.md)
- [Va. Sup. Ct. R. 3A:12 Rule 3A:12. Subpoena](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_VA_P3A_R3A_12.md)
- [Va. Sup. Ct. R. 3A:13 Rule 3A:13. Trial by Jury or by Court](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_VA_P3A_R3A_13.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_VA_P3A_R3A_3. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.