Criminal charges are formal accusations of criminal conduct made by a governmental authority against a person or entity. Criminal charges are usually filed or initiated by a city, county, state, or the federal government, acting through a public prosecutor—also known as a municipal prosecutor, county attorney, district attorney, state attorney general, or United States Attorney (for federal crimes). Criminal charges range from low-level misdemeanors such as traffic tickets to first degree felonies such as capital murder.

The charging document in which the specific crime(s) alleged to have been committed are specified may be referred to as (1) a complaint; (2) an information; (3) an indictment; (4) a citation; or (5) a traffic ticket.

In Virginia, criminal charges are formal allegations made by the government that an individual or entity has engaged in criminal conduct. These charges can be initiated by local (city or county), state, or federal prosecutors, depending on the jurisdiction and nature of the alleged crime. The Commonwealth's Attorneys serve as the local prosecutors in Virginia's cities and counties, while the Attorney General handles state criminal appeals and some types of specialized prosecutions. Federal crimes are prosecuted by United States Attorneys. Criminal charges in Virginia can range from minor misdemeanors, such as traffic infractions, to serious felonies, including capital murder. The specific charges are detailed in a charging document, which may take the form of a complaint, information, or indictment. A complaint is typically used for initiating misdemeanor charges, an information may be used for both misdemeanors and felonies when a preliminary hearing has been waived, and an indictment is a formal charge issued by a grand jury for felony offenses. Citations or traffic tickets are issued for traffic and other minor violations.