What does grand jury indictment mean?
An indictment is a formal accusation of a crime decided upon and issued by a grand jury. It signals the beginning of a criminal case. By Alexis Kelly. A criminal case begins when a prosecutor or a grand jury issues formal charges against a defendant, by means of a criminal complaint or an indictment (in-DITE-ment).
What happens when a case is indicted?
When a person is indicted, they are given formal notice that it is believed that they committed a crime. The grand jury listens to the prosecutor and witnesses, and then votes in secret on whether they believe that enough evidence exists to charge the person with a crime.
What is the definition of indictment?
Definition of indictment. 1a : the action or the legal process of indicting. b : the state of being indicted. 2 : a formal written statement framed by a prosecuting authority and found by a jury (such as a grand jury) charging a person with an offense. 3 : an expression of strong disapproval an indictment of government policy on immigrants.
What is indictment count mean?
An indictment count is a charge within the indictment. An arraignment charge can be either a charge at the initial arraignment or a charge at the aarraignment on the indictment which could be an additional charge from the initial arrest.
What is a federal indictment?
A federal indictment, also called a bill of indictment or a true bill, is the written accusation that forms the basis for a felony criminal case in a United States federal court. It is frequently the second step in federal cases, which usually begin when a prosecutor files an initial complaint, also called an “information” or “accusation.”
What is grand jury in Kentucky?
Grand Jury. Under the United States and Kentucky Constitutions, a person accused of a felony offense can be prosecuted only after being indicted by a Grand Jury. The division acts as legal advisor to the Grand Jurors, citizens empanelled monthly, presenting evidence to the twelve person body in support of charges brought by warrant or police arrest.