Imagine scrolling through the news and seeing a headline:
“Businessman Indicted in Federal Case.”
You pause. Indicted? Is that the same as being arrested? Does it mean you’re automatically guilty? Most people see the word often, especially in politics or crime documentaries, yet still feel confused about what it actually means.
Quick Answer:
To be indicted means a grand jury has formally charged someone with a crime. It’s a legal accusation, not a conviction, and it means the case can move forward to trial.
Let’s break it down in simple language — no legal jargon, just clarity.
🧠 What Does “Indicted” Mean?
Being indicted means a grand jury reviewed evidence presented by prosecutors and decided there’s probable cause to believe a crime was committed and the person likely did it.
It is not the same as being found guilty and it does not mean the person has been sentenced.
Think of an indictment as a formal accusation from the legal system.
Example sentence:
“The senator was indicted on charges of fraud, but the trial hasn’t started yet.”
In short:
👉 Indicted = Formally accused = Case can go to trial (not guilty yet).
🗓️ Origin & How Indictments Work
The term “indict” comes from the Latin word indictare, meaning “to proclaim.” Historically, indictments were written notices declaring someone accused of a crime.
Today, the process works like this:
- Prosecutor gathers evidence.
- Evidence is presented to a grand jury (a group of citizens).
- The jury votes privately.
- If they agree there’s probable cause → Indictment issued.
- The accused is officially charged and the case moves forward in court.
This system is used mainly in the United States (especially for federal crimes).
📱 Where Do You Usually See the Word “Indicted”?
You’ve probably seen “indicted” in:
- 📰 News headlines
- 📺 Crime documentaries
- 📚 Legal reports or political commentary
- ⚖️ Federal and state court updates
- 🔍 Social media discussions about high-profile cases
Tone & Usage Level:
| Tone | Usage |
|---|---|
| ⚖️ Formal/Legal | ✅ Yes |
| 🗣️ Casual conversation | ⚠️ Sometimes |
| 😄 Friendly | ❌ No |
| 🤳 Slang | ❌ Never |
Indicted is a formal legal term — you won’t see it in memes or casual chats.
💬 Examples of “Indicted” Used in Sentences
Here are simple, realistic examples:
- “She was indicted for embezzlement after a three-month investigation.”
- “The grand jury indicted him on multiple counts of tax fraud.”
- “Even though he was indicted, he still maintains his innocence.”
- “The businessman was indicted, but the trial hasn’t been scheduled yet.”
- “Once indicted, the defendant must appear in court to face the charges.”
- “The investigation led to five people being indicted.”
- “He was indicted on federal charges, not state charges.”
These examples show that “indicted” is always tied to formal criminal charges.
🕓 When to Use and When Not to Use “Indicted”
✅ When to Use “Indicted”
Use the word when referring to:
- Serious legal accusations
- Grand jury decisions
- Criminal charges before trial
- News reports or official statements
- Federal or state legal cases
❌ When Not to Use “Indicted”
Avoid using it when:
- Talking about small issues (“He stole my fries, indict him!” ❌)
- Describing guilt or innocence
- Referring to civil (non-criminal) cases
- Talking about a conviction or sentencing
- Using it in casual or comedic contexts
🧾 Comparison Table: Using “Indicted” Correctly
| Context | Example Phrase | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| 📰 News Report | “The official was indicted on corruption charges.” | Accurate legal usage |
| ⚖️ Legal Document | “The defendant was indicted by a grand jury.” | Formal and precise |
| 👥 Public Discussion | “Being indicted doesn’t mean he’s guilty.” | Clarifies misunderstanding |
| 🎓 Classroom | “An indictment is a formal accusation.” | Educational use |
| Casual Chat | “He got indicted for being late.” | ❌ Incorrect context |
🔄 Similar Legal Terms or Alternatives
Here are common terms people confuse with “indicted,” plus their differences:
| Term | Meaning | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Charged | Accused by a prosecutor (with or without grand jury) | General criminal cases |
| Arraigned | First court appearance after charges | When someone appears before a judge |
| Convicted | Found guilty in court | After trial |
| Accused | Someone is said to have committed a crime | Informal or early cases |
| Arrested | Taken into custody by police | Physical detainment |
| Sentenced | Punishment decided by judge | After conviction |
💡 Common Misconceptions About Indictments
Many people mix up what an indictment actually means. Here’s the truth:
- ❌ Indicted does NOT mean guilty.
- ❌ Indicted does NOT always mean arrested.
- ❌ Indicted does NOT mean the evidence is “strong.”
- ✔️ It only means the jury saw enough evidence for a trial.
An indictment is the beginning of legal trouble, not the end.
❓ 7 FAQs About Being Indicted
1. Does being indicted mean you’re guilty?
No. An indictment is only a formal accusation, not a conviction.
2. Who issues an indictment?
A grand jury — a group of citizens who review evidence in private.
3. Can someone be indicted without being arrested?
Yes. Arrests and indictments don’t always happen together.
4. Is indictment used in every state?
Most U.S. states use it, but some use “information” or direct charges instead.
5. What happens after an indictment?
The accused appears in court (arraignment), enters a plea, and the legal process begins.
6. Are indictments public?
Yes, once unsealed. Some are sealed temporarily for investigation reasons.
7. Can an indictment be dismissed?
Yes, if evidence is weak, rights are violated, or prosecutors drop the case.
🏁 Conclusion
Now you know exactly what it means to be indicted — it’s simply a formal criminal accusation made by a grand jury. It doesn’t decide guilt, it doesn’t determine punishment, and it doesn’t end a case — it starts one.
If you see the word in a headline or documentary, remember:
👉 Indicted = Formally charged = The case is moving to court, not decided.
Understanding this one term helps you read the news more clearly and avoid common misunderstandings.
