Charge

Also known as: Accusation, Allegation

In one sentence

A formal accusation that a person committed a specific crime.

Plain English

A charge is the official allegation brought by a prosecutor or grand jury stating that a person committed a particular crime. It specifies the crime (like theft, assault, or fraud) and is the basis for prosecution. Charges can be dropped, reduced, or pursued through trial, and a person can face multiple charges for a single incident.

Ad slot

Example

After the police investigation, the district attorney filed charges against Lisa for embezzlement and fraud. The charges alleged that she stole $50,000 from her employer over six months.

Used in a sentence

“The defendant was facing three separate charges: assault, battery, and disorderly conduct.”

Related terms

Arraignment

A defendant's first court appearance to hear charges and enter a plea.

complaint for injunction

A formal request to a court to order someone to stop or start a specific action.

Indictment

A formal written accusation charging someone with a crime, issued by a grand jury.

Stand Your Ground

A law allowing a person to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves without a duty to retreat.

Castle Doctrine

A law stating that a person's home is their castle and they can use force to defend it without duty to retreat.

Expungement

A legal process that erases or seals a criminal conviction from your record.

Felony

A serious crime punishable by more than one year in prison or death.

Misdemeanor

A less serious crime punishable by up to one year in jail and/or fines.

This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.