what does it mean indicted

Being indicted means to be formally accused or charged with committing a crime by a grand jury, which is a group of citizens who review evidence presented by prosecutors to determine if there is enough probable cause to proceed with criminal charges. It is an official legal step that starts the criminal case but does not mean the person is guilty—it's a formal accusation meaning the legal process will move forward and the accused must defend against the charges in court. Indictments are typically reserved for serious crimes or felonies and come after an investigation and grand jury review. The indictment is not a conviction, but rather the beginning of the prosecution phase.