Resources: Legal Terminology

The following information is provided to provide the community with a better understanding of the legal terms used in our coverage of investigations and court cases.

Accusation

An accusation is a formal claim or assertion that an individual has committed a crime or violated a law, typically made by a prosecutor or law enforcement authority to initiate criminal proceedings. It serves as the legal mechanism to charge a person with an offense, notifying them of the allegations so they can prepare a defense. The term is often used interchangeably with “charge” in some contexts but has specific meanings depending on the jurisdiction and legal system.

In Georgia law, an accusation is a formal legal document filed by a prosecutor to charge an individual with a crime, typically used for misdemeanors or certain less serious felonies. Unlike an indictment, which requires a grand jury’s approval and is generally used for felonies, an accusation is a simpler charging mechanism that does not involve a grand jury. It’s authorized under O.C.G.A. § 17-7-71, which governs the process for initiating criminal prosecutions in Georgia.

Additional Resources

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Accusation – Cornell Law School: Legal Information Institute
Accusations § 17-7-70 — 17-7-73 – Justia U.S. Law