charge

criminal procedure

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Last updated

June 24, 2026

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In criminal procedure, "bringing charges" refers to the formal accusation of a crime against an individual. This is a crucial step that initiates the legal process, determining whether a suspect will face trial. Prosecutors, government officials responsible for bringing defendants to justice, decide whether to file a complaint and what specific offenses to charge based on investigation results.123

The law of criminal procedure governs how suspected offenders are apprehended, charged, and tried, as well as the imposition of penalties and appeals. Key rights of the accused, such as the right to counsel and freedom from unreasonable searches, are guaranteed to ensure a fair trial. In some jurisdictions, like the United States, prosecutors have discretion in charging, which can lead to plea bargaining where charges are reduced in exchange for a guilty plea.24

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crime
Trial procedure
…key courtroom figure, establish the charges, which in turn may determine whether the accused appears before a lower court (dealing with misdemeanors) or a higher court (dealing with felonies). The accused is offered bail in most cases but is not released unless he deposits with the court either cash or…
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…key courtroom figure, establish the charges, which in turn may determine whether the accused appears before a lower court (dealing with misdemeanors) or a higher court (dealing with felonies). The accused is offered bail in most cases but is not released unless he deposits with the court either cash or…
Read More