Indictment

An “indictment" is what happens when a hearing judge or grand jury feels they have enough evidence or information to formally charge someone with a crime. It doesn’t mean the person is guilty, but it does mean the prosecutor has enough to try and make a case.

Let’s say our friend Chloe has had just about enough of Fortnite and Overwatch, and is suspected of stealing her boyfriend’s gaming console and chucking it off a bridge. The prosecutor is pretty sure he’s got enough evidence to send poor Chloe straight to jail, so he holds a preliminary hearing to be sure. The findings are presented to the judge, she agrees that the evidence against Chloe is pretty strong, and an indictment is issued. This formal written document outlines the charges against Chloe and allows her lawyer to start planning their defense.