When someone is indicted, it means they have been formally accused of committing a crime. This formal accusation is usually made by a grand jury, which is a group of citizens that reviews evidence presented by a prosecutor to decide if there is probable cause to charge the person with a crime. Being indicted is not the same as being convicted; it indicates that there is enough evidence to bring the case to trial, but the accused is still presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

What an Indictment Entails

• An indictment is a legal document that lists the charges against the accused.
• It typically applies to serious crimes, often felonies.
• The grand jury process is secretive and is intended to determine whether a trial is warranted based on evidence.
• After indictment, the accused may be arrested or summoned to court for arraignment, where they will enter a plea.

Difference Between Indictment and Conviction

• Indictment means formal charges are filed; conviction means the accused has been found guilty.
• An indictment starts the criminal trial process but does not establish guilt.

Role of the Grand Jury

• The grand jury evaluates the prosecutor’s evidence.
• They issue an indictment (also called a "true bill") if they find enough evidence or a "no bill" if not.
• The proceedings are not a trial and do not determine guilt or innocence.

In summary, being indicted means a formal accusation has been made based on probable cause to charge someone with a crime and proceed with prosecution, but it is not a determination of guilt.