What is the difference between indictment and arraignment?
In Texas, indictment and arraignment are two different stages of the legal process. An indictment occurs when a grand jury determines that there is probable cause to believe that someone has committed a crime. If the grand jury finds sufficient evidence to proceed with a case, then they will indict the suspect, which is an official accusation that the suspect committed a crime. Arraignment is the next step in the legal process that occurs after an indictment. At an arraignment hearing, the suspect is presented with the charges they are facing and they must formally enter a plea. The suspect may change their plea if they wish. The judge may also set conditions for the accused, such as setting defendant will appear in court when required.">bail or releasing the accused on their own recognizance. In summary, the difference between an indictment and an arraignment is that an indictment is an accusation by a grand jury that a suspect has committed a crime, while an arraignment is the formal hearing where the suspect is officially charged with a crime and must enter a plea.
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