Louisiana Bail Bonds Practice Exam 2026 - Free Bail Bonds Practice Questions and Study Guide

An indictment is a formal accusation that is presented to a grand jury, which is a critical part of the legal process in criminal law. The purpose of an indictment is to inform the accused of the charges against them and to initiate a criminal case. The grand jury evaluates evidence presented by the prosecution to determine whether there is sufficient cause to believe that a crime has been committed and that the accused should be formally charged.

This process is vital because it serves as a check on the government’s power, ensuring that no one is charged with a crime without a thorough review by a panel of citizens. The other options do not accurately describe what an indictment is: a written order for an arrest refers to an arrest warrant, a promise made by a defendant refers more to a bail agreement or plea, and a summary of court case results would pertain more to a verdict or case disposition rather than an indictment. Understanding these distinctions emphasizes the important role that an indictment plays in the judicial system.