What is the difference between indictment and arraignment?

The difference between indictment and arraignment is an important one to understand when going to court in Mississippi. Indictment happens before a criminal case has been tried. During the indictment process, a grand jury reviews evidence presented by a prosecutor and decides whether there is enough proof to formally charge the accused with a crime. If the grand jury decides there is enough evidence, they issue a written document - called an indictment - that officially charges the accused with a crime. Arraignment is the next step in the criminal court process. During the arraignment, the accused appears in court and is formally informed of the charges. The defendant is asked to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. It is also at this point that the court may set defendant will appear in court when required.">bail or release the accused on their own recognizance. In summary, the difference between indictment and arraignment is that indictment happens before a criminal case has been tried and is when a grand jury issues a written document formally charging the accused with a crime. On the other hand, arraignment is when the accused appears in court and is informed of the charges and asked to enter a plea.

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What is the difference between indictment and arraignment?

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