What is the term for the legal process by which a person is officially accused of a crime?

The legal process by which a person is officially accused of a crime is referred to as an indictment. This term specifically denotes a formal charge or accusation that is typically issued by a grand jury following an investigation into criminal conduct. The purpose of an indictment is to determine whether there is enough evidence to charge someone with a crime and bring them to trial.

This process serves an essential function in the criminal justice system, as it helps to ensure that an individual is not prosecuted without sufficient basis for the allegations made against them. An indictment is usually required for serious offenses, particularly felonies, and is part of the due process rights that protect individuals from wrongful prosecution.

The other terms in the choices serve different functions: a charge is a more general term that can refer to any formal accusation, a summons is a legal document that orders a person to appear in court, and a warrant is an authorization issued by a judge to law enforcement to make an arrest or conduct a search.