Criminal charge (3)
I believe the answer is:
rap
'criminal charge' is the definition.
(as in taking the rap for something)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for rap that I've seen before include "Knock - punishment - monologue to music" , "Strike; music style" , "Administer sharp blow, being below par" , "African-American music in which the lyrics are spoken" , "Pounding" .)