Legal Terminology: LPI Word of the Month

INDICTMENT

If you work in any form of criminal law, you’ve probably heard the term “indictment.”  You may have even heard it mentioned in the news from time to time.  But just what is an indictment?  An indictment is a formal accusation, or notice, that a person is believed to have committed a crime.  The document outlining the basis for the indictment contains the basic information to inform the person of the charges being brought against them.  In California, people are indicted when they are believed to have committed a federal or serious state crime.  It is important to remember, however, that the indictment process is not an indication of guilt, but only probable cause. 

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