A charge is a formal accusation that a person committed a crime. It identifies the offense the government says occurred and gives the accused notice of the conduct the prosecution intends to pursue.

A charge may be brought through a criminal complaint or an Indictment, and it is commonly addressed in court at an Arraignment.

Charge Explained

The charge is important because it defines what the prosecution must prove and what the accused must answer. It affects notice, plea decisions, trial preparation, sentencing exposure, and the legal theories available to each side.

The Term Charge in Different Legal Contexts

In criminal procedure, a charge may be issued after a prosecutor files a complaint directly with the court or after a grand jury returns an indictment. Multiple charges may be brought if the government alleges more than one offense.

The term also appears later in the case when parties discuss amending, reducing, dismissing, or proving the charge at trial.

Common Misconceptions About the Meaning of Charge

A common misconception is that being charged means the person has already been proved guilty. A charge is an accusation, not a conviction.

Another misconception is that every criminal charge comes from a grand jury. Some charges are filed by complaint or information without an indictment.