In which document must the offense be stated when charging an individual?

The offense must be explicitly stated in a warrant of arrest. This document serves as an official authorization for law enforcement to arrest an individual and must clearly outline the charges being brought against them. This specificity is vital because it informs the individual of the nature of the charges, ensuring that they understand the accusations they will face. The warrant facilitates the legal process by providing a basis for the arrest and helping to protect the rights of the accused.

While a citation, summons, and complaint relate to legal proceedings, they serve different purposes. A citation typically contains lesser charges or notices for minor offenses. A summons is a document ordering an individual to appear in court but does not necessarily involve an arrest. A complaint outlines the allegations and may lead to a warrant, but it is not the document that commands an arrest itself. Thus, when charging someone formally, the warrant of arrest is the key document in which the specific offense must be stated.