What is the purpose of a Supporting Deposition in the context of a criminal charge?

• A. A sworn statement providing facts supporting the charges
• B. A summary of the case for the judge
• C. A bail order or conditions of release
• D. A list of witnesses to be called at trial

Answer: (A)

A Supporting Deposition is a sworn statement of facts that provides the basis for probable cause to charge someone with a crime. It is an objective, factual account sworn under oath, detailing what happened, who was involved, when and where it occurred, and how the offense was committed. This document is used to show the court there are reasonable grounds to believe the defendant committed the offense, supporting the filing of charges or the issuance of an arrest warrant. It’s not a summary for a judge, not a bail order or release conditions, and not a list of witnesses for trial. The deposition focuses on facts, not legal conclusions, and it remains a pre-charge/probable-cause document rather than evidence to be presented at trial.