What is a criminal information?

A criminal information is a formal legal document that initiates criminal charges against an individual. It is typically sworn to by a law enforcement officer or a prosecutor and lays out the specific allegations and charges that the accused will face. This document serves as a crucial step in the legal process, as it provides the basis for the court to proceed with a case against the accused.

The other options describe different legal concepts. For instance, a legal defense document pertains to the arguments and evidence a defendant might present in their defense during a trial, rather than starting the charges. A summary of the trial process would provide an overview of what occurs during a trial but does not initiate charges. An official court order for arrest is a directive from a court to law enforcement to apprehend a specific individual; however, it is the criminal information that lays the groundwork for such an order to be executed.