What does it mean to be charged with a crime?

Being charged with a crime involves a formal accusation made by a legal authority, typically a prosecutor or law enforcement official, indicating that an individual has allegedly committed a criminal offense. This process marks the beginning of judicial proceedings against the accused person. It is a critical step in the criminal justice system that establishes that there is enough evidence or basis for the state to proceed with legal action.

The other options represent different legal situations that do not pertain to the definition of being charged. For instance, being sentenced refers to the consequences following a conviction, and receiving a sentence implies that the individual has already been found guilty of the crime, which is separate from the initial charging phase. Investigation without charge means that authorities are looking into a potential crime but have not yet made any formal accusations. Acquittal, on the other hand, occurs after a trial concludes, resulting in a not guilty verdict, which is the opposite of being charged. Therefore, the distinction of being formally accused aligns perfectly with the definition of being charged with a crime.