What is the difference between indictment and arraignment?

Indictment and arraignment are two different stages of the court process in Massachusetts. An indictment is when a grand jury decides to formally charge someone with a crime. The accused individual will receive a written document outlining the charges and their rights. The grand jury may review evidence from witnesses, as well as hear from the accused person and their legal counsel. In Massachusetts, an indictment is required for felonies, but not for misdemeanors. Arraignment is the following step of the court process in Massachusetts. It is a formal court hearing in which the person accused of a crime is read the charges against them. The accused must then decide whether they will plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The accused has the right to an attorney during this stage, and this is an important part of the process. The accused will also receive information such as the potential consequences of their plea. These are two distinct stages in the court process in Massachusetts. An indictment is when the grand jury decides to formally charge someone with a crime, while an arraignment is the formal court hearing where the charges are read and the accused must choose a plea.

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What is the difference between indictment and arraignment?

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