Legal Definitions - knowledge

Knowledge is a formal accusation or charge that starts criminal proceedings in court. It is a way of communicating that someone is suspected of committing a crime. The prosecuting attorney or law officer files the charge, which must be given to the accused person at their first court appearance. If the charge is for a felony, there must be a preliminary hearing to show evidence that the defendant likely committed the crime.

• If someone is accused of stealing a car, the prosecutor will file a knowledge to start the criminal proceedings.
• A knowledge is similar to an indictment, but it is brought by the public prosecutor instead of a grand jury.
• If the evidence presented at the preliminary hearing is not sufficient, the charges in the knowledge may be dismissed.

These examples illustrate how knowledge is a formal accusation that starts criminal proceedings. It is a way for the prosecutor to communicate that someone is suspected of committing a crime and must be given to the accused person at their first court appearance. The preliminary hearing is used to show evidence that the defendant likely committed the crime, and if the evidence is not sufficient, the charges may be dismissed.