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Indictment
An indictment is a formal written accusation from a grand jury that someone has committed a serious crime, which allows the case to move forward to trial.
What it actually is
An indictment is issued by a grand jury—a group of citizens who hear evidence presented by a prosecutor in secret—finding that there is probable cause to believe a crime was committed by the accused. It replaces a criminal complaint or information in felony cases and serves as the charging document that sets the boundaries of the case.
Why it matters in your case
If you are indicted, it means the prosecutor has convinced a grand jury that enough evidence exists to proceed, so you will face trial unless the charges are dismissed or you plead guilty. The indictment also defines the specific charges against you, limiting what the prosecutor can ultimately prove at trial.
The common misunderstanding
Many people confuse an indictment with a conviction or think it means the grand jury has found the person guilty—but an indictment is only an accusation, not a verdict of guilt. Another common misunderstanding is that an indictment is for all crimes; in practice, it is typically required only for serious felonies, and the rules vary by jurisdiction.
Get the actual rule
Definitions are orientation; rules are authority
This page explains the concept. When it matters to your case, read the rule that governs it in your court — we hold Texas, federal and Washington court rules word for word, and every state's official resources are on the state pages. If someone cites a case at you, check that it exists first.
Related
Terms that travel with this one
General explanation, not legal advice, and not specific to any state — procedures and deadlines vary by jurisdiction and court. If you can get a lawyer or free legal aid, do: every real option.