Former Democratic senator and presidential candidate John Edwards is facing possible criminal charges over alleged violations of campaign finance laws.

The Department of Justice is moving forward with prosecuting Edwards. He's suspected of illegally using campaign donations to cover up an extramarital affair.

A federal investigation has been probing Edwards for more than two years, dissecting his political career to see if anything improper was done during his time in the U.S. Senate.

Most of the investigation focuses on money used to keep mistress Rielle Hunter in hiding so that Edwards could continue his White House campaign without the affair tarnishing his reputation.

Those close to Edwards say he's aware of the potential charges and is considering his options. Edwards could make a plea bargain or face a very costly and public trail.