Rule 5-202 General rules of pleadings.

Every document filed in a criminal case needs a heading at the top. This heading must show which court is handling the case, the name of the case, the file number, and what type of document it is (like a motion or a complaint). This helps everyone quickly identify what the paperwork is and where it belongs.

If a document makes a statement in one section, that same statement can be referred back to later in another section of the same document. This means people don't have to repeat themselves word for word every time they want to reference something already stated.

Documents that charge someone with a crime must include the defendant's name if it's known. If the person's real name isn't known, they can be identified using a nickname, description, or any other way that makes clear who is being charged. This ensures the right person is being accused, even if officials don't have their legal name yet.

Finally, each criminal charge (whether it's called a complaint, information, or indictment) can only name one defendant. If prosecutors want to charge multiple people together in the same trial, they have to follow a separate rule (Rule 5-203) that explains how defendants can be joined for trial.