Terms Used In Montana Code > Title 46 > Chapter 11 > Part 1 - Methods of Commencing Prosecution

• Charge: means a written statement that accuses a person of the commission of an offense, that is presented to a court, and that is contained in a complaint, information, or indictment. See Montana Code 46-1-202
• Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
• Court: means a place where justice is judicially administered and includes the judge of the court. See Montana Code 46-1-202
• Grand jury: agreement providing that a lender will delay exercising its rights (in the case of a mortgage,
• Indictment: The formal charge issued by a grand jury stating that there is enough evidence that the defendant committed the crime to justify having a trial; it is used primarily for felonies.
• Offense: means a violation of any penal statute of this state or any ordinance of its political subdivisions. See Montana Code 46-1-202
• Person: includes a corporation or other entity as well as a natural person. See Montana Code 1-1-201
• Preliminary examination: means a hearing before a judge for the purpose of determining if there is probable cause to believe a felony has been committed by the defendant. See Montana Code 46-1-202
• Probable cause: A reasonable ground for belief that the offender violated a specific law.