Indictments and Dismissals
What is a Grand Jury Indictment?
A grand jury indictment is the formal charging instrument used by the U.S. Department of Justice to bring federal criminal charges against a person. It is presented to a grand jury, a group of citizens who hear evidence from the prosecution and decide whether there is probable cause to believe that the accused committed the crime.
What does "Dismissed Due to Grand Jury Indictment" Mean?
When a case is "dismissed due to a grand jury indictment," it means that the grand jury has decided not to indict the accused on the charges that were originally brought against them. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including:
- The evidence against the accused was not strong enough to prove probable cause.
- The prosecutor decided not to pursue the charges.
- The statute of limitations for the crime had expired.
What are the Consequences of a Dismissed Indictment?
If an indictment is dismissed, the charges against the accused are dropped. This does not mean that the accused is innocent, but it does mean that the government cannot pursue the charges any further.
What are the Options After a Grand Jury Indictment?
Once you are indicted by a grand jury, you generally have three main options:
- Plead guilty: This means that you admit to the charges and accept the punishment that is imposed by the court.
- Plead not guilty: This means that you deny the charges and a trial will be held to determine your guilt or innocence.
- Exercise your right to a fair trial: This means that you have the right to a trial by a jury and the right to be represented by an attorney.
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