When a person is indicted, they are given formal notice that it is believed that they committed a crime. The indictment contains the basic information that informs the person of the charges against them.
How long before you are indicted?
For most misdemeanor crimes, the prosecution must file charges within one year from the date the offense was allegedly committed. If the crime is a felony, the prosecution generally has three years to file charges from the date the offense was allegedly committed.
How do I know if I've been indicted?
Check Federal Court Records
Check the nearest federal courthouse. The clerk's office there should maintain all indictment records. There should be a terminal in the office where your attorney can search by suspect or party name.