Form 13(a) Indictment

A grand jury indictment is a formal document that officially charges someone with a crime. A group of citizens called a grand jury reviews evidence and decides if there is enough reason to charge someone. If they agree, the foreperson signs the document and writes "A True Bill."

The indictment lists the person being charged, the county where the crime happened, and each specific charge against them. It can be used for felonies, which are serious crimes, or misdemeanors, which are less serious crimes. A prosecutor from the county attorney's office also signs the document.

This form is just the official paperwork that starts the court case. Getting an indictment does not mean a person is guilty. It only means the grand jury believed there was enough evidence to move forward with a trial.