(verb) When a prosecutor accuses a defendant of a crime, we say the prosecutor “charges” the defendant with a crime.
(noun) Each crime the defendant is accused of committing is considered a “charge.”
For example, let’s say a defendant allegedly broke into a jewelry store at night and then after stealing valuable necklaces he set the store on fire.
The prosecutor could charge this defendant with burglary, larceny, and arson.
