Title 33, Navigation and Navigable WatersRelease 119-102
§392 Complaint and Answer; Jury Trial
Title 33 › CHAPTER 8 — SUMMARY TRIALS FOR CERTAIN OFFENSES AGAINST NAVIGATION LAWS › § 392
Summary
For quick hearings about crimes that protect people or property in commerce or navigation, no indictment is needed. A written, sworn complaint must be filed that clearly explains the offense. The complaint is read to the accused, who may plead or answer; the judge decides unless the accused demands a jury, in which case there is a jury trial with 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
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102