§ 132.420 Disclosure relative to indictment not subject to inspection

Grand jury indictments are kept secret until they are made public, and this rule spells out who has to keep quiet about them. Grand jurors, court reporters, and pretty much anyone else involved cannot share details about an indictment while it's still sealed.

There are only two exceptions. The district attorney can talk about it, and police officers can discuss it if they need the information to make an arrest. Everyone else has to stay silent until the indictment becomes public record.

This rule protects the person being investigated. It stops rumors and leaks from spreading before charges are officially filed and made public. It also protects the integrity of the investigation, since early disclosure could tip someone off or interfere with the case.