# W. Va. R. Crim. P. 3: Rule 3. The complaint

> West Virginia · Court rules · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WV_RCRP_R3

## Section

- **Citation:** W. Va. R. Crim. P. 3
- **Heading:** Rule 3. The complaint
- **Jurisdiction:** West Virginia
- **Kind:** Court rules
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** West Virginia Court Rules / West Virginia Rules of Criminal Procedure / W. Va. R. Crim. P. 3

## Text

The complaint is a written statement of the essential facts constituting the offense charged. The complaint shall be presented to and sworn or affirmed before a magistrate in the county where the offense is alleged to have occurred. Unless otherwise provided by statute, the presentation and oath or affirmation shall be made by a prosecuting attorney or a law enforcement officer showing reason to have reliable information and belief. If from the facts stated in the complaint the magistrate finds probable cause, the complaint becomes the charging instrument initiating a criminal proceeding.

## Nearby sections

- [W. Va. R. Crim. P. 1 Rule 1. Scope](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WV_RCRP_R1.md)
- [W. Va. R. Crim. P. 2 Rule 2. Purpose and constructions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WV_RCRP_R2.md)
- [W. Va. R. Crim. P. 3 Rule 3. The complaint](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WV_RCRP_R3.md)
- [W. Va. R. Crim. P. 4 Rule 4. Arrest warrant or summons upon complaint](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WV_RCRP_R4.md)
- [W. Va. R. Crim. P. 5 Rule 5. Initial appearance before the magistrate; bail](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WV_RCRP_R5.md)
- [W. Va. R. Crim. P. 5.1 Rule 5.1. Preliminary examination](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WV_RCRP_R5_1.md)
- [W. Va. R. Crim. P. 6 Rule 6. The grand jury](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WV_RCRP_R6.md)
- [W. Va. R. Crim. P. 7 Rule 7. The indictment and the information](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WV_RCRP_R7.md)
- [W. Va. R. Crim. P. 8 Rule 8. Permissive and mandatory joinder of offenses and of defendants](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WV_RCRP_R8.md)
- [W. Va. R. Crim. P. 9 Rule 9. Warrant or summons upon indictment or information](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WV_RCRP_R9.md)
- [W. Va. R. Crim. P. 10 Rule 10. Arraignment](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WV_RCRP_R10.md)
- [W. Va. R. Crim. P. 11 Rule 11. Pleas](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WV_RCRP_R11.md)
- [W. Va. R. Crim. P. 12 Rule 12. Pleadings and motions before trial; defenses and objections](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WV_RCRP_R12.md)
- [W. Va. R. Crim. P. 12.1 Rule 12.1. Notice of Alibi](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WV_RCRP_R12_1.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WV_RCRP_R3. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.