What is the difference between a federal indictment and an information?

The difference between a federal indictment and an information is an important one to understand when it comes to criminal cases in Minnesota. An indictment is a formal accusation made by a grand jury that a person has committed a crime. This accusation can then be used as the basis of a trial. In order for an indictment to be handed down, the grand jury must hear evidence from the prosecution and decide whether there is enough evidence to accuse that person of a crime. An information is a criminal charge brought by a prosecutor which does not require the approval of a grand jury. This means that a prosecutor can bring a charge against an individual without having to present evidence to a grand jury. This is the most common way that criminal charges are brought in Minnesota, as going through a grand jury is time consuming and costly. In short, while an indictment is an accusation made by a grand jury that someone has committed a crime, an information is a criminal charge brought by a prosecutor without the approval of a grand jury. Understanding the difference between the two will help you understand the criminal legal system in Minnesota.

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What is the difference between a federal indictment and an information?

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