How are charges filed?
Except for the very rare case involving the Grand Jury, the District Attorney’s Office charges all cases – misdemeanor and felony in the state of California. The U.S. Attorney;s Office charges in federal matters. The police investigate a possible crime, gather evidence, prepare a report and either make an arrest or submit the evidence to the District Attorney for filing. The District Attorney ultimately is responsible for deciding what charges are to be filed. Many times these are the charges for which a person is arrested. In some rare instances a citizen can make an arrest but the district attorney ultimately files this case as well.
Complete an Application for Statement of Charges for Bad Check (form DC/CR44) and appear in person at the commissioners station. Bring a photocopy of the bad check, information about the dishonored check, a description of the goods or services the individual received, and any information about the individual who wrote the check (for example, the persons drivers license number, date of birth and a physical description). The commissioner cannot provide you with identifying information. There are no court costs or fees for filing an Application for Charges. Attend the trial, which will be held in the District Court. You are required to personally attend the trial to testify as to the facts of the case.
