what does it mean to be indicted by a grand jury

To be indicted by a grand jury means that a formal accusation has been made against someone, initiating criminal proceedings. A grand jury, which is typically composed of 16 to 23 citizens from the community, reviews evidence presented by a prosecutor to determine if there is probable cause—a reasonable basis to believe a crime was committed and that the accused was involved. If the grand jury finds sufficient evidence, they issue an indictment, sometimes called a "true bill," which formally charges the person with a crime. It is important to understand that an indictment is not a determination of guilt; rather, it is a legal step that allows the case to move forward to trial. The proceedings before the grand jury are secret to protect the integrity of the investigation. If the grand jury does not find enough evidence, no indictment is issued, which means the person is not formally charged at that time. After being indicted, the accused faces further legal steps, including potential arrest and the beginning of the trial process, where the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The role of the grand jury is a safeguard to ensure that serious charges are made only when there is a strong basis for them, balancing the government's power to prosecute with the accused person's right to due process and a fair trial. This process is mandated at the federal level for felony crimes by the U.S. Constitution and varies by state for serious crimes.