{"id":352339,"date":"2023-09-21T13:00:36","date_gmt":"2023-09-21T18:00:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/what-is-an-indictment.html"},"modified":"2024-11-20T14:00:00","modified_gmt":"2024-11-20T19:00:00","slug":"what-is-an-indictment","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/what-is-an-indictment.html","title":{"rendered":"What is an Indictment?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Is an Indictment?<\/h1>\n
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\n By Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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An indictment is a formal accusation against someone suspected of committing a serious criminal offense. A grand jury issues an indictment after reviewing evidence and determining there was probable cause a crime was committed.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

This step focuses on whether a criminal case should proceed. After the grand jury investigation and indictment, formal charges follow. <\/p>\n

The indictment is not the same as a criminal trial ruling, but it also has substantial consequences for a defendant. A criminal defense lawyer<\/a> can explain how to prepare and respond to a grand jury subpoena.<\/p>\n

Explore the legal process for indictments with answers to the following questions:<\/p>\n