Skip to content
LitigationForms
AO 91

Criminal Complaint

Federal · United States Courts · Effective November 1, 2011

This form is a Criminal Complaint used to tell the court that someone has broken a law. It asks the complainant to state the facts of the alleged violation.

Open the official PDFfrom United States Courts

Where this fits in a case

Start a case

Stage: Start a case

This form is used when a complainant wants to file a complaint alleging that a defendant violated a specific law.

Usually filed by the person starting the case.

Common questions

What is this form for?
This form is a Criminal Complaint used to state that a defendant violated a law. It requires the complainant to state the facts of the alleged violation.
Who fills out this form?
The form is filled out by the complainant, who is the person making the complaint.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect November 1, 2011.

Related forms

  • AO 102

    Application for a Tracking Warrant

    This form is an application used by a federal law enforcement officer or government attorney to ask the court for permission to put a tracking device on a person, object, or property. The request is made because the item or person is believed to be connected to a crime.

    Fillable PDF
  • AO 106

    Application for a Search Warrant

    This form is used by a federal law enforcement officer or a government attorney to ask the court for permission to get a search warrant. The applicant must state that they have reason to believe that certain items or people are concealed at a specific location.

    Fillable PDF
  • AO 106A

    Application for a Warrant by Telephone or Other Reliable Electronic Means

    This form is used by a federal law enforcement officer or government attorney to ask the court for a search warrant that can be issued over the phone or through another reliable electronic method. It requires the applicant to state under oath why they believe a search is necessary.

    Fillable PDF
  • AO 108

    Application for a Warrant to Seize Property Subject to Forfeiture

    This form is used by a federal law enforcement officer or government attorney to ask the court for a warrant. The warrant is needed to take possession of property that the government believes should be forfeited to the United States.

    Fillable PDF
  • AO 83

    Summons in a Criminal Case

    This form is a legal notice that tells a person they are required to appear in a federal district court. It informs the person about the specific offense or violation they are being charged with.

    Fillable PDF
  • AO 98

    Appearance Bond

    This form is an Appearance Bond that a defendant signs to agree to follow all court orders. It details the type of bond—whether it is personal, unsecured, or secured—and what happens if the bond is forfeited or released.

    Fillable PDF
  • AO 100A

    Bail Information Sheet

    This form is a Bail Information Sheet used to collect personal details about a defendant. It asks for information like the defendant's name, address, employment details, and contacts who can be reached while the case is pending.

    Fillable PDF
  • AO 100B

    Surety Information Sheet

    This form is a Surety Information Sheet used to collect detailed personal and financial information about a surety who is posting a bond. It asks for details like the surety's job, income, and property ownership.

    Fillable PDF