Who ultimately decides what charges to bring against criminal suspects?

The decision about what charges to bring against criminal suspects lies with prosecutors. Prosecutors are legal professionals who represent the state or the government in criminal cases and have the authority to evaluate evidence provided by law enforcement. They consider the facts of the case, the severity of the crime, and applicable laws to determine what charges are appropriate. This role is critical as it directly impacts the legal process, outlining how the case will proceed in court.

Police officers gather evidence and can make arrests based on their findings, but they do not have the final say on the formal charges. Judges preside over court proceedings and ensure that legal standards are met but do not decide charges; their role is to rule on legal issues and oversee the trial process. Defense attorneys represent the interests of the accused and may challenge the charges but do not determine them. Therefore, the correct answer is prosecutors, who function as gatekeepers within the criminal justice process, ultimately deciding on the charges that reflect the evidence available.