How does an indictment work?

Grand jury phase

Prosecutor investigates case

A grand jury is selected

Evidence is presented to the

grand jury from a prosecutor

Grand jury votes on whether

or not to bring charges

If they bring charges, indictment

handed down

Trial phase

Subject of indictment/person charged

either voluntarily surrenders or is arrested

Defendant is arraigned in court

and enters a plea

Parties negotiate disputes over evidence

and other procedural matters

Jury selected

Trial

Sentencing (if convicted)

Grand jury phase

Prosecutor investigates case

A grand jury is selected

Evidence is presented to the

grand jury from a prosecutor

Grand jury votes on whether

or not to bring charges

If they bring charges, indictment handed down

Trial phase

Subject of indictment/person charged either

voluntarily surrenders or is arrested

Defendant is arraigned in court and enters a plea

Parties negotiate disputes over evidence

and other procedural matters

Jury selected

Trial

Sentencing (if convicted)

Grand jury phase

Prosecutor investigates case

A grand jury is selected

Evidence is presented to the

grand jury from a prosecutor

Grand jury votes on whether or not to bring charges

If they bring charges, indictment handed down

Trial phase

Subject of indictment/person charged either

voluntarily surrenders or is arrested

Defendant is arraigned in court and enters a plea

Parties negotiate disputes over evidence

and other procedural matters

Jury selected

Trial

Sentencing (if convicted)

Grand jury phase

Trial phase

Prosecutor investigates case

Subject of indictment/person charged

either voluntarily surrenders or is arrested

A grand jury is selected

Defendant is arraigned in court

and enters a plea

Evidence is presented to the

grand jury from a prosecutor

Parties negotiate disputes over evidence

and other procedural matters

Grand jury votes on whether

or not to bring charges

Jury selected

If they bring charges, indictment

handed down

Trial

Sentencing (if convicted)

Grand jury phase

Trial phase

Prosecutor investigates case

Subject of indictment/person charged

either voluntarily surrenders or is arrested

A grand jury is selected

Defendant is arraigned in court

and enters a plea

Evidence is presented to the

grand jury from a prosecutor

Parties negotiate disputes over evidence

and other procedural matters

Grand jury votes on whether

or not to bring charges

Jury selected

If they bring charges, indictment

handed down

Trial

Sentencing (if convicted)