Grand Jury Indictment

What is a Grand Jury Indictment?

Understanding the Process

A grand jury is a group of citizens who are called to investigate crimes and determine whether there is enough evidence to charge someone with a crime. If the grand jury believes there is enough evidence, they will issue an indictment, also known as a "true bill."

The Role of the Grand Jury

The grand jury's role is to review the evidence presented by the prosecution and to decide whether there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed. They do not determine guilt or innocence, but rather whether there is sufficient evidence to support the charges.

The grand jury process is secret, meaning that the proceedings and the evidence presented are not open to the public. This secrecy is intended to protect the rights of the accused and to encourage witnesses to come forward with information.

Consequences of an Indictment

An indictment is a serious matter and can have significant consequences for the accused. It means that the prosecutor believes there is enough evidence to support the charges, and it can lead to a criminal trial.

If the accused is found guilty at trial, they could face fines, imprisonment, or other penalties. However, it's important to note that an indictment is not a conviction, and the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Challenges to Indictments

In some cases, the accused may challenge the indictment by arguing that there was not enough evidence to support it or that the grand jury was biased. If the court agrees with the accused's arguments, the indictment may be dismissed.