What is the purpose of a grand jury indictment?

A grand jury indictment is an important part of the criminal process in Washington. The purpose of a grand jury indictment is to determine whether or not there is enough evidence to formally charge an individual with a crime. It is a way for prosecutors to present evidence to a panel of citizens to determine if a person should face criminal charges in court. Before charging a person in a criminal case, prosecutors must first present evidence to a grand jury. The grand jury hears evidence from the prosecutor and reviews any information that the prosecutor may have gathered about the case. At the end of the hearing, if the grand jury believes that there is enough evidence to proceed with a criminal case, they will issue an indictment. This is a formal document signed by the grand jurors that charges the individual with a crime. An indictment serves as the basis for a trial against the accused. It is a way for the government to make a case against the individual and to start the criminal proceedings. After an indictment is issued, the person accused of a crime must stand trial and be either found guilty or not guilty of the charges. In Washington, a grand jury plays an important role in the criminal process. It is the way that prosecutors present evidence before criminal charges are formally filed. An indictment serves as the basis for a criminal trial and is a way for the government to make its case against the accused.

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What is the purpose of a grand jury indictment?

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