To be indicted means to be formally charged with a crime, typically a serious one, after a grand jury or court determines there is enough evidence to bring the case forward. An indictment is an accusation—it is not a finding of guilt. This article is general information, not legal advice.
Definition
Merriam-Webster defines “indict” as to formally charge or accuse someone of a crime, especially by the finding of a grand jury. The related noun, “indictment,” is the formal written statement that sets out the charges. A common point of confusion is pronunciation: the “c” is silent, so the word sounds like in-DITE and in-DITE-ed.
How an indictment works
In the United States, many felony cases begin with an indictment. According to the Legal Information Institute, a grand jury reviews evidence presented by a prosecutor and decides whether there is probable cause—enough basis to believe a crime may have been committed and that the accused may be responsible. If the grand jury agrees, it returns an indictment and the case proceeds.
Importantly, the grand jury does not decide guilt or innocence. Its role is only to determine whether charges are justified. The question of guilt is settled later, through a plea or a trial before a separate jury or judge.
Indicted vs. convicted
These terms are easy to mix up, so the distinction matters:
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Indicted | Formally charged with a crime; the case moves forward |
| Arraigned | Brought to court to hear the charges and enter a plea |
| Convicted | Found guilty after a trial or guilty plea |
Why the word appears in the news
Headlines often report that a person has been indicted because the step marks the formal start of serious criminal proceedings. Readers sometimes assume an indictment signals guilt, but legally it means only that authorities believe there is enough evidence to charge. The accused retains the presumption of innocence unless and until proven guilty.
Indictment vs. other ways charges begin
An indictment is not the only route to criminal charges. In some cases, prosecutors file a document called an “information,” and lesser offenses may be charged by complaint or citation. Whether a grand jury indictment is required depends on the jurisdiction and the seriousness of the offense; in the U.S. federal system, serious crimes generally proceed by indictment unless the accused waives that right. The key idea across all of these is the same: they start a case, they do not decide it.
Everyday use
Outside the courtroom, “indict” is occasionally used more loosely to mean to accuse or strongly criticize, as in “a report that indicts the whole system.” In legal contexts, though, it keeps its precise meaning: a formal charge. For questions about a specific situation, a licensed attorney is the right source, since this overview is general information only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does indicted mean guilty?
No. An indictment is a formal charge, not a conviction; guilt is decided later at trial or by plea.
Who issues an indictment?
In the U.S., a grand jury commonly returns an indictment for serious crimes after reviewing evidence.
How is indicted pronounced?
The “c” is silent, so it sounds like in-DITE-ed.
What is the difference between charged and indicted?
An indictment is one formal way of being charged, typically used for felonies via a grand jury.
What happens after an indictment?
The case moves forward through the court process, which may include arraignment, plea, and possibly trial.