Which document is associated with a misdemeanor charge?

A misdemeanor charge is typically initiated through a document known as a charging information. This document outlines the specific charges against an individual for lesser offenses, which are categorized as misdemeanors. Unlike felonies, which may require an indictment—a more formal acknowledgment of charges issued by a grand jury—misdemeanors can proceed directly with a charging information filed by a prosecutor.

The charging information provides the defendant with details of the alleged crime, allows for the legal process to begin, and is crucial for ensuring the defendant's right to know the accusations they face. Other documents mentioned, such as an indictment or a bill of rights, serve different functions within the legal system and are not specifically tied to the charge of misdemeanors. A certificate of clearance pertains to the clearance of a criminal record, rather than the initiation of charges.