What document initiates a criminal case in Texas?

In Texas, a criminal case is typically initiated by either an Information or an Indictment. An Information is a formal accusation made by a prosecutor based on evidence gathered during an investigation, allowing for the criminal proceedings to move forward without the need for a grand jury. An Indictment, on the other hand, results from a grand jury's determination that sufficient evidence exists to charge an individual with a crime.

Both documents serve the fundamental purpose of laying the foundation for criminal prosecution, thereby formally commencing the case in the judicial system. This initiation process ensures that the defendant is properly informed of the charges against them, which is a core component of due process rights under the law.

Other options, while related to the criminal justice process, serve different functions. A Warrant is used primarily for the arrest of individuals based on probable cause for a specific offense. A Complaint is a lesser-used term which might indicate a statement of a grievance, but it does not hold the legal status of initiating an actual criminal case in Texas. A Summons, meanwhile, is typically used to inform an individual that they are required to appear in court but does not initiate a criminal prosecution in and of itself.