What is the term for when an accused person is formally charged with a crime?

The process of formally charging an accused person with a crime is referred to as an indictment. An indictment is a legal document that outlines the charges against a defendant and is typically issued by a grand jury, which reviews evidence presented by the prosecution. This step is crucial in the criminal justice process as it officially begins the legal proceedings against the individual.

While arraignment is also a significant stage in the legal process, it primarily involves the accused appearing before a judge to hear the charges and enter a plea, rather than the formal charging itself. A trial follows the indictment and arraignment, where the case is presented in court to determine the guilt or innocence of the accused. A plea hearing is a stage where the accused can enter a plea (such as guilty or not guilty) but does not serve as the formal charging of the crime. Thus, the act of indictment distinctly marks the initial phase of formally framing the charges that the accused will face.