Indictment

An indictment is a formal criminal charge issued by a grand jury, indicating that there is sufficient evidence to believe the defendant committed the specified crimes. It is a legal document that outlines the alleged offenses, providing details such as the date, location, and specific actions that constitute the crime. The indictment is the result of a grand jury investigation, where the jurors review evidence presented by the prosecutor and determine whether there is probable cause to charge the defendant. It includes the relevant statutes or laws that the defendant is accused of violating and the potential penalties they face if convicted. The issuance of an indictment initiates the criminal proceedings against the defendant, who must then appear in court to enter a plea and face trial or negotiate a plea bargain.