Does an Indictment Mean Jail Time in New York?

In law and criminal justice, the word "indictment" is a big deal. In New York State, just like in other places, getting indicted is a serious legal matter with major consequences for people accused of crimes.

To understand what indictment means in New York and how it affects the justice system, let's break it down.

What's an Indictment in New York State?

In New York State, an indictment is a formal accusation written by a grand jury, charging someone with a specific crime or crimes. The grand jury, made up of regular folks brought together by a prosecutor, checks out evidence and testimony to see if there's enough reason to believe the person committed a crime. If they think there's probable cause, they'll issue an indictment, formally accusing the person of the alleged crime(s).

Why an Indictment Matters

An indictment kicks off the legal process against an individual in New York and gets the trial ball rolling. It lets the accused know what charges they're facing and what criminal acts they're accused of. It gives the prosecution the green light to pursue criminal charges and seek a conviction in court.

Indictment vs. Arrest

An arrest happens when cops nab a suspect either based on good reason or with a warrant. After an arrest, the person might be kept in custody until formal charges are made. An indictment, however, happens after an arrest and means the grand jury has enough proof to move forward with criminal charges.

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What Happens After Being Indicted

Once someone gets indicted in New York, they'll go to court for an arraignment, where they'll plead guilty or not guilty. More legal steps, like motions before the trial, gathering evidence, and the actual trial, come after getting indicted. The prosecution will try to prove the charges in the indictment, while the defense works to challenge the claims and defend the accused person.