Being "indicted by a grand jury" means that a grand jury, a group of citizens, has reviewed evidence presented by a prosecutor and decided there is enough probable cause to formally charge the person with a crime. This indictment is a formal accusation, not a conviction, indicating that the government believes there is sufficient evidence to take the case to trial. The grand jury process is confidential, and at least 12 members typically must agree to issue the indictment. After indictment, the defendant is formally notified of the charges and has the right to defend themselves in court.
Key Points About Grand Jury Indictment
- It is a legal step that allows the prosecution to proceed with criminal charges.
- It requires a lower standard of evidence (probable cause) than a conviction (beyond a reasonable doubt).
- The indictment includes details of the charges and is signed by the grand jury foreman and prosecutor.
- An indictment does not mean guilt; the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty at trial.
- Grand juries usually handle felony charges but can also indict misdemeanors in some jurisdictions.
- If the grand jury does not find probable cause, they issue a "no true bill," meaning no indictment and typically no charges.
This process ensures an impartial group of community members evaluates the evidence before the accused faces formal criminal charges.
