NOTICE TO APPLICANT FOR A CHARGING DOCUMENT
You are applying for a charging document which may lead to the arrest and detention of the person you are
charging. If the commissioner issues a charging document, neither you nor the commissioner may withdraw the charges
later. The charge may only be disposed of by trial or by action of the State’s Attorney.
You must appear at the trial as a witness. Unless you are excused by the State’s Attorney, failure to appear on the
date set by the court could result in your arrest for failure to obey a court order.
You are filing the application under oath. Criminal Law Article § 9-503, of the Annotated Code of Maryland
makes it a crime to knowingly make a false statement in order to have charges brought or an official investigation started.
Please give as much information as possible about the offense. This form should enable the judicial officer who
reads it to come to conclusions about what has happened. You should explain what you know about what has happened,
and how you know it. Your application should clearly state the following:
1. WHO?
Identify the accused, (the person about whom you are complaining), and identify yourself. Explain how you
know that the accused is the person who did what you are complaining about.
2. WHEN?
State the time, day, month and year of the offense.
3. WHERE?
State the exact address and street, the city, county and state where the offense happened. Also state whether the
offense happened in a private home or in some public place.
4. WHAT?
State exactly what was done, and to whom it was done. For example, if property was taken, describe it and its
value; or, if property was damaged or destroyed, indicate the original cost of the item or its replacement value.
If you do not know the exact value, estimate it as accurately as possible.
5. WHY?
The intent and motivation of the accused are important. State any information which relates to these questions.
6. HOW?
Explain how the accused committed the offense. For example, if you were physically assaulted, were you struck
with a fist, a flat hand, kicked, or pushed, or were you struck with an object, such as a club or pipe, etc.? If
property was taken, how did the accused get it? If it was destroyed or damaged, how did the accused cause the
damage?
7. At the top of the application, you will notice a space marked “DEFENDANT’S DESCRIPTION.” The
information in this space refers to the accused. Please furnish as much information as possible so that the
accused may be easily identified.
If you need assistance in completing your application, please ask the commissioner.
You may request that the address and telephone number of a victim, complainant, or witness be considered for
shielding at the time you file this application.
NOTICE: Remote access to the name, address, telephone number, date of birth, e-mail address, and place of
employment of a victim or non-party witness is blocked. (Md. Rule 16-918)