Which term best describes the legal action taken against someone accused of a crime?

The term that best describes the legal action taken against someone accused of a crime is "Charge." In the legal context, a charge refers to a formal accusation made by a government authority asserting that an individual has committed a crime. A charge initiates the criminal justice process and signifies that legal proceedings will follow to determine the individual's guilt or innocence.

Understanding this term is crucial in discussing the legal process, as it marks the point at which the judicial system becomes actively involved in addressing the alleged wrongdoing. Other terms, such as citation and detention, pertain to different stages or elements of law enforcement and legal processes. A citation typically refers to a summons to appear in court, while detention involves holding an individual in custody during the legal process. A conviction, on the other hand, occurs at a later stage and reflects a final determination of guilt after a trial or plea agreement.