Which statement correctly reflects the meaning of "charged"?

The term "charged" in a legal context refers to a formal accusation made by a governmental authority, typically the prosecutor, alleging that a person has committed a specific crime. This is a vital step in the criminal justice process, as it sets in motion the legal proceedings against the accused individual. When someone is charged, it essentially indicates that there is sufficient evidence to officially allege their involvement in criminal activity, leading to potential prosecution.

The other choices pertain to different aspects of the legal process. The collection of physical evidence at a crime scene refers to forensic procedures that help build a case but do not define the term "charged." A plea of innocence represents a defendant's response in court but does not encompass the concept of being charged. Finally, the act of releasing a person after arrest describes a procedural step following an arrest but is unrelated to the idea of formally accusing someone of a crime. Thus, the choice accurately captures the meaning of "charged" within the legal framework.