What does indicted mean in court – News Line

In the legal system, the term “indicted” is used to describe the formal accusation of a crime. When someone is indicted, it means that a grand jury has determined that there is enough evidence to charge the person with a crime.

An indictment is a legal document that outlines the charges against the accused. It is typically issued by a grand jury, which is a group of citizens who are tasked with reviewing evidence and determining whether there is enough evidence to proceed with a trial. Grand juries are used in many countries, including the United States, to help ensure that the government cannot simply bring charges against someone without first presenting evidence to a neutral group of citizens.

An indictment can be issued for both felony and misdemeanor charges. Felony charges are more serious and can result in lengthy prison sentences, while misdemeanor charges are typically less serious and can result in fines or short jail sentences.

Once a person has been indicted, they will usually be arrested and brought to trial. At trial, the prosecution will present evidence to try to prove the charges outlined in the indictment. The defendant will have the opportunity to present their own evidence and argue against the prosecution’s case.

It is important to note that being indicted does not mean that a person is guilty of a crime. It simply means that there is enough evidence to bring charges against them and to proceed with a trial. In fact, many people who are indicted are ultimately found not guilty at trial.

In some cases, a plea bargain may be offered to the defendant before the trial begins. A plea bargain is an agreement between the prosecution and the defendant in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge or to cooperate with the prosecution in exchange for a lighter sentence. Plea bargains are common in the United States and are often used to reduce the number of cases that go to trial.

So, the term “indicted” refers to the formal accusation of a crime. It is a serious legal proceeding that can result in significant penalties, including lengthy prison sentences. However, being indicted does not mean that a person is guilty of a crime, and they will have the opportunity to defend themselves in court. If you or someone you know has been indicted, it is important to seek the advice of a qualified attorney to help navigate the legal process.