When may the trial be on the citation instead of the sworn complaint?

• A. When the defendant waives the filing of a sworn complaint, the prosecutor and defendant agree in writing, and the agreement is filed with the court.
• B. Only after a month.
• C. When the judge orders it.
• D. If the defendant pleads guilty.

Answer: (A)

This question tests when a case can move forward on a citation instead of a sworn complaint. A trial can be held on the citation only if the defendant agrees to waive the filing of a sworn complaint, and both the prosecutor and defendant sign a written agreement to proceed this way, with that agreement filed in court. That written, filed agreement creates the official record that the court will hear the case based on the citation rather than the traditional sworn complaint, while the waiver protects the defendant’s choice and the agreement ensures the prosecutor’s consent.

The other scenarios don’t meet those requirements: simply waiting a month doesn’t change the charging document, a judge’s order alone isn’t enough without the defendant’s waiver and a written agreement, and a guilty plea resolves the case without proceeding to trial on a citation.