Information
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Plain-English Meaning
A formal charging document in a misdemeanor case that replaces the initial complaint. Unlike a complaint, an information must be supported by non-hearsay facts — meaning the allegations must be based on direct, first-hand knowledge, not just what someone was told. A case cannot go to trial on a misdemeanor complaint alone.
Legal Context
Under N.Y. CPL § 100.15, an information is a written accusation by a person containing facts of an evidentiary character that are not hearsay. In New York, converting a complaint to an information is a critical step — until this conversion occurs, the prosecution is not considered 'ready for trial' under the 30.30 speedy trial statute. The 30.30 clock stops once the People declare readiness after filing a sufficient information.
Real-Life Example
At arraignment, the prosecutor had only a misdemeanor complaint based on the officer's hearsay account of what the victim said. Three weeks later, the prosecutor filed a supporting deposition from the victim — a sworn statement of what the victim personally witnessed. This converted the complaint to a legally sufficient information, allowing the case to proceed toward trial.
Related Terms
Source
Based on N.Y. CPL §§ 100.15, 100.40. Original B-Legal plain-language explanation.
N.Y. CPL §§ 100.15, 100.40
Definitions are simplified for education. Legal meanings vary by jurisdiction, context, and case facts. This definition is original B-Legal content and is not affiliated with or derived from any proprietary legal dictionary.