What Does Indicted Mean?

In the United States legal system, an indictment is a formal accusation of a crime made by a grand jury. Being indicted means that the grand jury has found probable cause to believe that the accused person committed the crime charged.

An indictment is not a conviction. It is simply a step in the criminal justice process. The accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

What is an indictment?

An indictment is a written document that accuses a person of a crime. It is issued by a grand jury, which is a group of 23 citizens who are tasked with deciding whether there is enough evidence to bring a criminal case to trial.

The grand jury meets in secret and hears evidence from the prosecution. The defense is not allowed to present evidence or cross-examine witnesses.

If the grand jury finds that there is probable cause to believe that the accused person committed the crime, they will issue an indictment. If the grand jury does not find probable cause, they will issue a “no bill,” which means that the charges will be dropped.

Why is being indicted important?

Being indicted is a serious matter. It can have a significant impact on the accused person’s life, including their job, their reputation, and their freedom.

An indictment can also make it more difficult for the accused person to defend themselves against the charges. Once an indictment has been issued, the prosecution has the upper hand in the case.

When was the indictment process created?

The indictment process was created in England in the 12th century. It was brought to the United States by the British colonists.

The indictment process has been used in the United States for centuries. It is an important part of the criminal justice system.

What happens after someone is indicted?

After someone is indicted, they will be arraigned in court. At the arraignment, the accused person will be informed of the charges against them and will enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.

If the accused person pleads not guilty, the case will go to trial. At trial, the prosecution will present evidence to prove that the accused person is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The defense will present evidence to challenge the prosecution’s case.

The jury will decide whether the accused person is guilty or not guilty. If the jury finds the accused person guilty, they will be sentenced by the judge.

Conclusion

Being indicted is a serious matter. It can have a significant impact on the accused person’s life.

If you have been indicted, it is important to speak to an attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand the charges against you and can represent you in court.

Recommendations

If you are interested in learning more about the indictment process, here are some resources:

• The United States Department of Justice
• The American Bar Association
• The National Law Review