what does it mean when you are indicted

Being indicted means that a formal accusation has been made against a person, charging them with committing a crime. This accusation is typically issued by a grand jury after reviewing evidence presented by a prosecutor to determine if there is enough probable cause to proceed with criminal charges. It is important to understand that an indictment is not a declaration of guilt but rather the beginning of the legal process where the accused must defend themselves in court. Indictments are usually for serious crimes, typically felonies, and represent a formal step between an arrest and a trial. The grand jury's role is to decide if there is sufficient evidence to justify a trial, not to determine guilt or innocence. After an indictment, the accused will face the criminal justice process, which may include arrest, court appearances, and eventually a trial to determine guilt or innocence based on proof beyond a reasonable doubt.