(criminal law) a pleading describing some wrong or offense WordNet 3.0 & Open English WordNet

An indictment is a formal accusation that a person has committed a crime. Wikipedia

A criminal charge is a formal accusation made by a governmental authority asserting that somebody has committed a crime. Wikipedia

A formal accusation made before a court by a prosecuting authority Wikipedia Disambiguation

Formal accusation of wrongdoing in common law Wikidata

A report informing the authorities about a crime Wikidata

In criminal law, the preliminary charge or accusation made by one person against another to the appropriate court or officer, usually a magistrate. However, court proceedings, such as a trial, cannot be instituted until an indictment or information has been handed down against the defendant. Wiktionary

Criminal law: preliminary charge or accusation made by one person against another. Wiktionary (translation)