Major developments in significant investigations and litigation may include the following events:

1. • Initiation of investigation;
2. • Filing of criminal charges (complaint, information, or indictment);
3. • Arrest of defendants;
4. • Filing of a civil complaint by or against the United States;
5. • Plea, trial, verdict, or settlement; and
6. • Sentencing.

Please note that the list above is not exhaustive and that major developments can include other steps between the initiation and conclusion of a matter or case. For example, a USAO or Department litigating division should report the following events when the events are likely to receive national media coverage or Congressional attention:

1. • Execution of a search warrant;
2. • Interview of a significant witness;
3. • Appearance of a significant witness before a grand jury or at a deposition;
4. • Significant motions and adverse rulings; and
5. • Significant post-conviction or post judgment litigation, including appeals.

[updated April 2018]