What must a criminal complaint include to obtain an arrest warrant?

To obtain an arrest warrant, a criminal complaint must include the signature of the judge and the offense charged. The signature of the judge is critical as it signifies that a judicial officer has reviewed the complaint and approved it, indicating there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed and that the suspect is the one who committed it. The offense charged provides the basis for the warrant, detailing what crime the suspect is accused of. This legal framework ensures that warrants are not issued arbitrarily and that there is judicial oversight in the process.

In contrast, simply listing the name of the suspect or providing details of the crime without judicial approval would not meet the necessary legal requirements. Also, information about previous arrests, while possibly relevant in a broader investigation, is not a required element for the issuance of an arrest warrant. The focus is primarily on establishing probable cause through the offense charged and the endorsement of that by the judiciary.