Legal Question in Personal Injury in California
My roommate was involved in an accident and he received a letter from the Police department saying a complaint was filed against him with the county court. Attached to was a ticket for no motorcycle license and no proof of insurance. Is this complaint filed from the police or someone else like the guy who hit him in the accident? Were a little confused on why the word "complaint" is being used. Thank you.
2 Answers from Attorneys
A "complaint" in this context is the name for the charging document in criminal court. Your roommate is being prosecuted by the District Attorney. The letter your roommate received should include a date to appear in court. It is vital that your roommate not miss this date. There are very few things that are harder to come back from in criminal court than a failure to appear.
Your roommate needs to speak with a criminal defense attorney. Many give free initial consultations. If your roommate cannot afford an attorney, he or she should request that the public defender be appointed at his or her first appearance.
I agree with Ms. Lunsford. The word "complaint" has similar meanings in both civil and criminal cases, even though we usually hear it used in the civil context.
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