The purpose of this presentation is to expose risk managers to the potential for criminal charges being brought against a healthcare provider who is involved in medical negligence. Risk managers generally do not have experience with criminal charges. The presentation will give the learner the basics of why criminal charges may be brought against a nurse or physician. The purpose is not to make them into criminal defense attorneys, but rather provide them with enough knowledge to understand that the practitioner needs to hire an attorney. This will be demonstrated by the examination of cases that have been in the public eye and through an overview of why criminal charges are more often being sought.