Charge — in plain language
a formal accusation that someone committed a crime, or a fee or amount of money that is owed
From a fixed, curated glossary of 7,257 legal terms. Not legal advice. How it's made: plainlanguage.us/trust
Plain language
a formal accusation that someone committed a crime, or a fee or amount of money that is owed
- formal accusation
- fee or amount owed
- expense or cost
- encumbrance on property
What to watch for
- In criminal contexts, 'charge' is often confused with 'conviction' — a charge is just an accusation, not proof of guilt.
- In financial documents, 'charge' can mean a fee, cost, or encumbrance — the specific meaning depends on context and must be determined from surrounding language.
- The phrase 'without charge' means 'free of cost' — translators should not interpret this as 'without accusation.'
- In accounting, 'charge to capital' means reducing retained earnings — not a criminal charge or fee.
Context Determines Meaning. The word "charge" has completely different meanings depending on context. In criminal documents, it means an accusation. In contracts and financial statements, it means a fee or cost. Always check the surrounding language to determine which meaning applies.
Criminal vs. Financial Charges. When both meanings might appear in the same document (such as in a corporate criminal case), use distinct plain-language phrases for each. "Official accusation" for criminal charges and "fee or amount owed" for financial charges.
What to Watch For.
- Multiple charges in criminal cases: Each count is a separate charge — translate each one clearly.
- "Without charge" phrases: These always mean "free of cost," not "without accusation."
- Fixed charge coverage ratios: Financial metrics comparing income to debt payments — explain as "a measure of whether there is enough income to cover required payments."
Legal definition
A formal accusation that someone has committed a crime, or a fee or amount of money that is owed. In criminal cases, charges are filed by prosecutors and must be proven in court. In financial and contract contexts, charges refer to costs, fees, or claims against property.
Meanings by context
criminal law: an official accusation that someone broke the law
contract and finance: a fee or amount of money owed, or a claim against property
accounting: an expense that reduces profits
Examples
Legal: The defendant was charged with theft, assault, and resisting arrest.
Plain: The defendant was officially accused of stealing, attacking someone, and refusing to obey police.
Legal: The lender may impose a late charge of five percent (5%) per month on overdue amounts.
Plain: If you pay late, the lender can charge you an extra 5% each month as a penalty.
Legal: No interest or charge shall be assessed on any deposit account maintained by the bank.
Plain: The bank will not charge any fees or interest on money you keep in your account.
Where you'll see it
- criminal complaints
- indictments
- contracts and agreements
- financial statements
- court filings
Related terms
- accusation
- indictment
- arraignment
- fee
- cost
- encumbrance
- lien
Word details
- Pronunciation
- chahrj
- Part of speech
- noun
- Origin
- Old French — to load, burden, or accuse
- Domains
- criminal law, contract law, finance, accounting, administrative law
- Frequency
- very common
- Formality
- moderate
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