Alleged Car Bomber Faisal Shahzad Indicted

Times Square car bomber suspect Faisal Shahzad was charged with multiple counts of terrorism and weapons charges.

In an indictment handed down by a grand jury, Faisal Shahzad was accused of receiving explosives training and financial help from the Pakistani Taliban, the Associated Press reports.

In general, an indictment is a written accusation charging that an individual named therein has committed an act or omitted to do something that is punishable by law. An indictment is found and presented by a grand jury legally convened and sworn. It originates with a prosecutor and is issued by the grand jury against an individual who is charged with a crime. Before such individual may be convicted, the charge must be proved at trial beyond a reasonable doubt.

The purpose of an indictment is to inform an accused individual of the charge against him or her so that the person will be able to prepare a defense.

In this case, Pakistani-born American Faisal Shahzad was charged with 10 terrorism and weapons counts.

As previously discussed, car bomber suspect Faisal Shahzad, 30, admitted his role in the failed attempt to explode a car bomb in Manhattan's theater district in the heart of Times Square.

According to the Department of Justice, Faisal Shahzad faces charges of conspiracy and attempt to use a weapon of mass destruction, conspiracy and attempt to commit international terrorism.

The grand jury indictment returned alleges Shahzad had received a total of $12,000 from the militant group through cash drop-offs in Massachusetts and Long Island.

Six of the charges carry a maximum life sentence if convicted, including two that bring a mandatory life sentence.

Shahzad is expected to be arraigned on Monday.

• Alleged Car Bomber Faisal Shahzad Faces Terrorism Charges (FindLaw's Blotter)
• Car Bomber Suspect Faisal Shahzad Eyed Other Targets (FindLaw's Blotter)
• Should Congress Loosen the Miranda Rule? (FindLaw's Blotter)
• Criminal Law FAQ (provided by Masorti & Sullivan, P.C)
• Criminal Defense Overview (provided by Monzon Law P.C., L.L.O.)