Definition

Noun A formal accusation made by a legal authority (such as a grand jury) alleging that a person has committed the crime of murder. It is the specific charge within an indictment that initiates a prosecution for murder.

Usage

A "murder charge" is the official legal statement of the crime a person is accused of. It is typically brought after an investigation and is a prerequisite for a murder trial. * The evidence was sufficient for the district attorney to file a murder charge. * He is facing a murder charge and could receive a life sentence if convicted. * The grand jury declined to issue a murder charge, citing lack of intent.

Advanced Usage

• To bring a murder charge (against someone): The formal act of accusing someone.
  • The state decided to bring a murder charge against the suspect.
• To be arrested on/under a murder charge: Describes the reason for an arrest.
  • The individual was arrested on a murder charge late last night.
• To face a murder charge: To be subject to this accusation in a legal proceeding.
  • She will face a murder charge in court next month.
• A murder charge was dropped/dismissed: The accusation was formally withdrawn by the prosecution or thrown out by a judge.
  • The murder charge was dropped after new exonerating evidence emerged.

Variants and Related Words

• Charge (n): A formal accusation of a crime. "Murder charge" is a type of charge.
• Indictment (n): A formal written accusation, typically issued by a grand jury, that enumerates the charges. A "murder charge" is often contained within an indictment.
• Homicide charge (n): A broader legal term for a charge of unlawfully killing a person, which includes murder and manslaughter.
• Manslaughter charge (n): A charge for the unlawful killing of a person without premeditation or malice aforethought, often considered a lesser charge than murder.

Synonyms

• Homicide accusation
• Murder accusation
• Murder indictment (specifies the formal document)

Related Phrases

• Capital murder charge: A murder charge for which the death penalty may be sought as punishment.
  • The prosecutor is seeking a capital murder charge due to the circumstances of the crime.
• First-degree murder charge / Second-degree murder charge: Specific classifications of a murder charge based on the presence of premeditation, intent, or the circumstances of the killing, as defined by statute.
  • The jury must decide if the facts support a first-degree murder charge.

Noun

1. an indictment charging someone with murder