When someone is indicted, it means they have been formally accused of committing a crime. This formal accusation is usually made by a grand jury, which is a group of citizens that reviews evidence presented by a prosecutor to decide if there is probable cause to charge the person with a crime. Being indicted is not the same as being convicted; it indicates that there is enough evidence to bring the case to trial, but the accused is still presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
What an Indictment Entails
- An indictment is a legal document that lists the charges against the accused.
- It typically applies to serious crimes, often felonies.
- The grand jury process is secretive and is intended to determine whether a trial is warranted based on evidence.
- After indictment, the accused may be arrested or summoned to court for arraignment, where they will enter a plea.
Difference Between Indictment and Conviction
- Indictment means formal charges are filed; conviction means the accused has been found guilty.
- An indictment starts the criminal trial process but does not establish guilt.
Role of the Grand Jury
- The grand jury evaluates the prosecutor’s evidence.
- They issue an indictment (also called a "true bill") if they find enough evidence or a "no bill" if not.
- The proceedings are not a trial and do not determine guilt or innocence.
In summary, being indicted means a formal accusation has been made based on probable cause to charge someone with a crime and proceed with prosecution, but it is not a determination of guilt.
