What is the difference between indictment and arraignment?

Indictment and arraignment are two different court proceedings that take place in South Carolina. Indictment is when the prosecutor charges an individual with a particular crime. During this process, the prosecutor will present evidence to an independent grand jury showing that a person has been accused of a crime. The grand jury will then decide whether to accept or reject the charge. Arraignment is when a suspect is formally read the charges that have been brought against them. At this point, the suspect is given the opportunity to enter a plea. Generally, the suspect can choose to plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Depending on the state, the suspect sometimes has the option to waive their right to a jury trial and plead guilty in open court. In summary, the difference between indictment and arraignment is that indictment is when a grand jury decides whether or not to accept a charge, and arraignment is when the suspect is formally read the charges and enters a plea. Both are important steps in the criminal justice process for South Carolina.

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What is the difference between indictment and arraignment?

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