When a person is indicted, they are given formal notice that it is believed that they committed a crime. ... The grand jury listens to the prosecutor and witnesses, and then votes in secret on whether they believe that enough evidence exists to charge the person with a crime.

Does an indictment mean you are guilty?

Does an Indictment Mean I'm Guilty? Whether you're facing indictment or have already been indicted, that doesn't mean you've been found guilty of a crime. All an indictment means is there was probable cause to charge you with a crime.

How serious is an indictment?

A federal criminal indictment is a serious matter, because it means that the criminal investigation has progressed to a point where the prosecutor now believes that he or she has enough evidence to convict.