What Is a Grand Jury Indictment?
Formal Instrument for Criminal Charges
A grand jury indictment is an official document issued by a grand jury to charge a person or entity with a crime or crimes. It is the formal basis for bringing federal criminal charges against a defendant.
Grand Jury's Role
A grand jury is a group of citizens selected to hear evidence presented by prosecutors in criminal cases. Their primary function is to determine whether there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed and whether the evidence supports proceeding to trial.
During the grand jury proceeding, the prosecutor presents evidence, including witness testimony and documents, to support the charges. The defendant is not present during this process and has no right to present evidence or cross-examine witnesses.
Indictment Process
If the grand jury finds probable cause, it will issue an indictment. An indictment is a formal written document that outlines the specific charges against the defendant and the supporting evidence.
The indictment must be signed by the grand jury foreman and filed with the court. Once an indictment is issued, the defendant is considered "indicted" and the criminal case proceeds to arraignment and trial.
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