Indictment

An indictment is a formal accusation or charge of a serious crime issued by a grand jury, signifying that there is enough probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed and that the accused person committed it. In the U.S. federal system and many states, a grand jury (a body of citizens) reviews evidence presented by a prosecutor in secret proceedings and decides whether to issue an indictment. It is a critical step in the criminal justice process for felony charges, initiating the formal prosecution of an individual.