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

The difference between a federal indictment and an information is important to understand when looking at criminal cases in the state of Washington. An indictment is a formal accusation made by a grand jury that a person has committed a crime. To be indicted, the prosecutor must present evidence to the grand jury, which will then decide if there is probable cause that the accused is guilty of the crime. This is an important step as it makes sure individuals are not arrested and convicted without substantial evidence. An information is an allegation of criminal activity brought by a prosecutor without the involvement of a grand jury. The prosecutor brings the information directly to a judge through the filing of an information form. This simplified process can be used for minor offenses that do not require a grand jury’s formal accusation. Both an indictment and an information are important for increasing accountability and maintaining fairness in criminal cases in the state of Washington. However, it is important to make sure that the differences between the two are understood in order for criminal proceedings to remain ethical and transparent.

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