What is an affiant?

An affiant is defined as the person who signs an affidavit, a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, and attests to the truthfulness of the information contained within that document. The role of the affiant is crucial in legal contexts because their declaration under oath lends credibility to the affidavit, which is often used as evidence in court proceedings.

In contrast, the other roles mentioned do not pertain to the function of an affiant. The attorney representing the state plays a role in advocating for the interests of the prosecution, while the judge oversees the proceedings without acting as a party to the affidavit. The offender under investigation, meanwhile, is the subject of inquiry rather than the one providing a sworn statement. Thus, the affiant's role is specifically centered on their personal and direct assertion of fact, making this the correct choice.