What is an indictment?

An indictment is a formal charge or accusation of a crime against an individual, typically issued by a grand jury after reviewing evidence presented by the prosecution. This legal step is crucial as it officially begins the criminal prosecution process, signifying that there is sufficient evidence to warrant a trial. It serves as a critical mechanism in ensuring that an individual is charged with a crime only after a thorough consideration of the evidence. The indictment itself does not establish guilt; instead, it signifies that the legal system believes there is enough basis to proceed with a case in court.

In contrast, a verdict of guilty from a judge reflects the conclusion of a trial, and a plea entered by the defendant pertains to their response to the charges—neither of these options captures the essence of what an indictment is. Additionally, evidence presented in court refers to tangible proof used to support claims during a trial, which is unrelated to the formal charging process represented by an indictment.