TCOLE Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Resource to Master Texas Law Enforcement Certification

The correct answer, which refers to a written statement filed by a district attorney that charges an individual with an offense, is "Information." In legal terms, an "Information" is a formal accusation made by a prosecutor without the need for a grand jury indictment. It outlines the charges against the defendant and is utilized in various jurisdictions to initiate prosecution for misdemeanors and sometimes felonies.

In contrast, an "Indictment" is typically issued by a grand jury and serves as a formal charge when a grand jury determines there is enough evidence to proceed with prosecution, usually for more serious offenses. An "Affidavit" is a written statement confirmed by oath, used as evidence, but it does not serve the same purpose as a charging document. Meanwhile, a "Complaint" is often a preliminary document that can be used in criminal proceedings, but it is usually filed in lower courts and does not carry the same legal weight as an Information for initiating felony charges.