An accusation is when one party claims that another party has done something, usually involving wrongdoing. Typically, in law, accusations are synonymous with indictments, or the formal charging of a person for a crime. A criminal accusation normally includes details of the crime, such as the specific date, time, and location.
An accusation is basically a criminal charge that a person receives when he or she is believed to have committed a crime. For example, a person who is caught on tape robbing a bank may receive an accusation from the state for the crime of robbery. Following a criminal accusation, the person becomes a defendant, and must defend himself or herself in a court of law. If he or she is convicted, then he/she will face sentencing by the court.