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 South Carolina, criminal charges are formal allegations made by a government authority accusing an individual or entity of engaging in illegal activity. 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 types of criminal charges can vary widely, from minor misdemeanors, such as traffic violations, to serious felonies, including murder. The document that outlines the specific charges is known as a charging document and can take various forms: a complaint, an information, or an indictment. A complaint is typically used for lower-level offenses and is often filed by law enforcement. An information is a formal charge filed by a prosecutor without a grand jury indictment, usually for misdemeanors or low-level felonies. An indictment is a formal charge issued by a grand jury for more serious felonies. Citations and traffic tickets are used for minor infractions, such as traffic offenses. The process of charging and the specific documents used may vary based on the alleged crime and the applicable legal procedures in South Carolina.