what does it mean to be indicted?

To be indicted means to be formally accused or charged with committing a crime. This accusation is typically made through an official legal process involving a grand jury, which is a group of citizens who review evidence presented by a prosecutor to determine if there is enough probable cause to bring criminal charges. An indictment is not a declaration of guilt; rather, it marks the beginning of the legal process where the accused must defend against the charges in court. Indictments are usually reserved for serious crimes such as felonies. The process involves investigation, grand jury review, issuance of the indictment, and then arrest or summons to appear in court.