>[!IMPORTANT] Options of Commencement >1. Filing or signing of **charge-sheet** >2. Filing a **direct indictment** >3. Direction of court for perjury - Police often file a charge-sheet to commence proceedings. - The Office of Public Prosecutions file a direct indictment in other cases. # Charge Sheet A charge-sheet is a document signed by the informant which states the offence(s) alleged against the accused. It is governed by the Criminal Procedures Act 2009, section 6 and Schedule 1. Proceedings are commenced by charge-sheet when: 1. Charge-sheet is filed with the **Registrar of the Magistrates' Court;** or 2. Charge-sheet is filed with **Bail Justice**; or 3. Charge-sheet is **signed**, if a **summons** to answer the charge is issued by a **police officer**, rather than the court, at that time. # Particulars on a Charge Sheet - Mistaken section number is a **formal defect** which does not cause miscarriage of justice (_R v McEwen_ [2005] VSCA 202). - Prosecution should provide specificity on time of alleged offence. - Date of offence is a necessary particular unless date is not element of offence.