Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Practice Exam 2026 - Free TCOLE Practice Questions and Study Guide

The term for an affidavit made before a magistrate that charges an offense is a criminal complaint. A criminal complaint is a legal document that outlines the details of a crime in which the complainant alleges that an individual has committed an offense. This document initiates the legal process and serves as a formal accusation against the accused.

In the context of law enforcement and the judicial system, the criminal complaint plays an essential role in ensuring that the accused receives due process. It lays the groundwork for further legal action, such as issuing a warrant for arrest or proceeding with an indictment.

While a warrant is a legal document authorizing law enforcement to take a particular action, such as arresting a suspect, it does not itself serve as the affidavit that charges an offense. An indictment refers to a formal charge or accusation of a serious crime, often resulting from a grand jury’s review, rather than being made by an individual before a magistrate. Lastly, a witness statement is a document that summarizes the observations or testimonies of witnesses and is distinct from a formal complaint charging a crime.