What is an Indictment?

An indictment is a formal accusation made by a grand jury against a person or entity, alleging that they have committed a crime. The indictment is typically the first step in the criminal justice process, and it sets out the charges against the defendant.

In the United States, an indictment is typically issued after a grand jury has heard evidence from prosecutors and witnesses and has decided that there is enough evidence to bring criminal charges against the defendant. The indictment will list the specific charges and the applicable laws that the defendant is alleged to have violated.

Once an indictment has been issued, the case will proceed to the next stage of the criminal justice process, which may include plea negotiations, trial, and potentially a sentence if the defendant is found guilty. An indictment is not a conviction, and it does not necessarily mean that the defendant is guilty of the charges. Rather, it is a formal accusation that sets out the allegations against the defendant and allows the criminal justice process to move forward.