So, A Grand Jury Has Indicted You! Does That Mean You’re Going Jail?

If you are under investigation for a criminal offense, the prosecution may convene a grand jury. A grand jury can decide if there is enough evidence to indict you. So, what happens now that a grand jury has indicted you?

An indictment serves as a formal accusation that you have committed the offense. The next step can be a bit intimidating.

In these cases, many people wonder if a grand jury indicts them will they be going to jail? Let’s break down this question.

What Is An Indictment?

When a grand jury indicts you, it means prosecutors have charged you with a crime legal charge. A grand jury indictment is the first step in a criminal trial. An indictment indicates formal charges have been or will be filed.

A prosecutor must present evidence to a grand jury to secure an indictment. A grand jury is a group lawyers who determine if a prosecutor should charge a person with a crime.

If the grand jury votes to indict, the accused will then be formally charged. As a result, he or she and will have to appear in court to face trial. 

So, A Grand Jury Has Indicted You. Will You Go To Jail?

So, are you going to jail? Unfortunately, there is not a simple answer. It depends on a variety of factors. Prosecutors weigh the seriousness of the offense and your criminal history. They also look at the amount of evidence against you and the conditions of your release. In some cases, you might be arrested immediately after receiving your indictment. As a result, you could be detained until your trial. This usually only done  if the court feels you pose a flight risk.

You will typically need to appear in court. In court you will be required to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. If you plead guilty, a judge will determine your sentence. However, if you plead not guilty, your case will be scheduled for trial. The court may give you the option to get a bond or bail. This will allow you to stay out of jail while waiting for your trial.

However, you could serve time in jail even before your trial.

This occurs if the prosecutor argues that you pose a danger to the community or you are a flight risk. As a result, the court may order pretrial detention. This means you will be kept in jail until the judge makes a decision about your case.

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