Being indicted means that a person has been formally accused or charged with committing a crime. It is a legal process usually initiated by a grand jury after reviewing evidence presented by a prosecutor, deciding there is enough probable cause to proceed with criminal charges. Importantly, an indictment is not a declaration of guilt but rather the start of the legal process in which the accused must defend themselves in court. Indictments typically apply to serious crimes, such as felonies, and are a formal step before a potential trial or further court proceedings.
Key Points About Indictment
- An indictment is a formal accusation, not proof of guilt.
- It is often issued by a grand jury, a group of citizens reviewing evidence.
- The indictment lists the charges and serves as the official start of criminal prosecution.
- After the indictment, the accused may be arrested or summoned to court.
- The legal process following indictment can include arraignment, plea, and potentially trial.
This means if someone is indicted, they are officially informed of the charges and must prepare to respond to those charges legally.
