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 Dakota, criminal charges are formal allegations of wrongdoing brought against individuals or entities by the government. These charges can be initiated by various levels of government, including city, county, and state authorities, as well as the federal government for federal offenses. The state-level prosecutions are typically conducted by the State's Attorney's Office. Criminal charges in South Dakota can range from minor misdemeanors, such as traffic violations, to serious felonies, including capital murder. The specific charges are detailed in a charging document, which may take the form of a complaint, an information, or an indictment, depending on the case and the level of court. Citations or traffic tickets are used for minor infractions, typically handled by municipal or magistrate courts. The process of charging and prosecution follows the rules set forth in South Dakota's codified laws and the applicable federal laws for federal crimes.