When an indictment is not issued by a grand jury, a person may be charged with an offense in what document?

When a grand jury does not issue an indictment, a person can be charged with an offense through a document known as an information. An information is a formal accusation that outlines the charges against an individual and is typically prepared by a prosecutor. This approach allows the prosecution to bring charges without needing the grand jury's approval, which streamlines the legal process in instances where an indictment is not secured.

While a criminal complaint serves a similar purpose and can initiate a criminal case by detailing the alleged offenses, it is generally used in preliminary hearings or when immediate action is needed rather than as the primary document for formal charges when grand jury indictment doesn't occur. A summons, on the other hand, is used to notify an individual to appear in court but does not initiate criminal charges. A warrant is related to law enforcement's authority to arrest a person but does not charge them with an offense. Thus, the information is the most appropriate document for charging someone in the absence of a grand jury indictment.