Which event marks the formal start of a criminal case in court?

• A. Arraignment
• B. Preliminary hearing
• C. Filing of the accusatory instrument
• D. Sentencing

Answer: (C)

Charging documents filed with the court mark the formal start of a criminal case. When the prosecutor files an accusatory instrument (an indictment for felonies, an information for other offenses, or a complaint), the case is officially brought into the court system, the court gains jurisdiction, and the charges are set forth. This filing triggers service, scheduling, and the progression of proceedings. The next step is the arraignment, where the defendant is informed of the charges, rights are explained, bail is considered, and a plea is entered. A preliminary hearing may occur later to test whether there is enough evidence to proceed, but it isn’t the beginning of the case. Sentencing happens only after a conviction.