1 In a civil action, the statement of a distinct cause of action in a complaint or similar pleading. 2 In a criminal action, the distinct allegation in an indictment or information that the defendant committed a crime. multiple counts.Two or more distinct causes of action or allegations that the defendant committed an offense contained in a complaint, indictment, information, or similar pleading. separate count.Any of the individual causes of action or allegations that the defendant committed...