Title 33 — Navigation and Navigable WatersRelease 119-73
§392 Complaint and answer; jury trial
Title 33 › Chapter CHAPTER 8— - SUMMARY TRIALS FOR CERTAIN OFFENSES AGAINST NAVIGATION LAWS › § 392
Summary
Quick trials for offenses that protect people or property in commerce or navigation do not need a prior indictment. A sworn, written complaint that states the charge must be filed and read to the accused, who may plead, answer, or make a counterstatement. The judge normally decides, unless the accused asks for a jury when pleading; then the case is tried by a jury on a not-guilty plea.
Full Legal Text
Title 33, §392
Navigation and Navigable Waters — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
At the summary trial of offenses against the laws for the protection of persons or property engaged in commerce or navigation, it shall not be necessary that the accused shall have been previously indicted, but a statement of complaint, verified by oath in writing, shall be presented to the court, setting out the offense in such manner as clearly to apprise the accused of the character of the offense complained of, and to enable him to answer the complaint. The complaint or statement shall be read to the accused, who may plead to or answer the same, or make a counterstatement. The trial shall thereupon be proceeded with in a summary manner, and the case shall be decided by the court, unless, at the time for pleading or answering, the accused shall demand a jury, in which case the trial shall be upon the complaint and plea of not guilty.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Editorial Notes
Codification R.S. § 4301 derived from act June 11, 1864, ch. 121, §§ 3, 4, 13 Stat. 125.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
33 U.S.C. § 392
Title 33 — Navigation and Navigable Waters
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73