[Wuli]

in many cases (like this one), a court hearing on a charge needs to be conducted by a judge, B4 any formal charge and arrest

and only a formal criminal charge made on the judge’s order

leaving a “plaintiff” only a civil suit if they care to try it, having already lost the criminal charge

[Behind Liberal Lines]

in many cases (like this one), a court hearing on a charge needs to be conducted by a judge, B4 any formal charge and arrest

Not in NY. In order to charge someone with endangering all that is required is that a police officer swear out a complaint.