Getting “charged” with a crime sounds serious—because it is. But what does it actually mean in legal terms? This post breaks down the difference between being arrested and being charged, who decides to file charges, what types of charges exist, and what happens next in the criminal justice process.

What actually happens when someone is arrested? It’s more than just handcuffs and Miranda rights. This guide breaks down what qualifies as an arrest, how it’s different from a detention, what police need to justify it, and the rights that protect you during the process.