The term "indicted" means that a person has been formally accused of committing a crime. This usually occurs when a grand jury, a group of citizens, reviews evidence presented by a prosecutor and determines there is probable cause to charge the individual with a crime. Being indicted is not a declaration of guilt; rather, it means criminal charges are officially filed and the legal process begins for the accused to defend themselves in court. Indictments typically apply to serious crimes, such as felonies, and signal the start of formal criminal proceedings.
Key Points About Being Indicted
- An indictment is a formal accusation issued by a grand jury.
- It follows a private grand jury hearing where prosecutors present evidence.
- It means there is sufficient evidence to move forward with criminal charges.
- It does not mean the person is guilty, only that a trial will proceed.
- Indictments are mostly used for serious offenses; lesser crimes may lead to charges without an indictment.
In summary, "indicted" means the person is officially charged with a crime through a legal process involving a grand jury, marking the start of a criminal case against them.
