Understanding Indictments
Being indicted is a serious legal matter that can have far-reaching consequences for those involved. An indictment is a formal accusation that a person has committed a crime, issued by a grand jury based on evidence presented by a prosecutor. Here, we explore what it means to be indicted and what to expect when facing this legal process.
Process of Indictment
Indictments typically involve a grand jury, a group of citizens who are tasked with reviewing evidence presented by the prosecutor. If the grand jury believes there is enough evidence to support the charges, they will issue an indictment, which formally charges the individual with a crime.
Consequences of Indictment
Being indicted can lead to a criminal trial, where the accused will have the opportunity to defend themselves against the charges. If found guilty, the individual may face penalties such as fines, probation, or even incarceration.
Examples of Indictments
One high-profile example of an indictment is the case of Paul Manafort, a former campaign chairman for President Donald Trump, who was indicted on charges including money laundering and tax fraud. Another example is the indictment of Harvey Weinstein, a Hollywood producer, on charges of rape and sexual assault.
Statistics on Indictments
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, in 2019, approximately 285,000 individuals were indicted by federal grand juries in the United States. This highlights the prevalence of indictments as a legal tool used to address criminal activity.
