A written statement filed by the district or county attorney to charge a defendant is known as what?

In the context of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, a written statement filed by the district or county attorney to charge a defendant is known as "Information." This legal term refers specifically to a formal criminal charge that is filed by a prosecutor, which may occur in instances where an indictment is not required or appropriate.

Information outlines the alleged offenses, the facts constituting the offense, and serves as the basis for the prosecution to proceed against the accused. It is significant because it allows the accused to be formally notified of the charges they face, ensuring their right to prepare a defense.

In criminal law, an indictment is typically used for felony charges and involves a grand jury proceeding, which is not the case with Information. Options such as Claim and Notice do not pertain to the formal charging documents used in criminal proceedings. Claim often relates more to civil actions, whereas Notice may refer to procedures or notifications rather than formal charges.