What is the difference between indictment and arraignment?

Indictment and arraignment are both processes that take place in criminal court proceedings in Virginia. An indictment is when a grand jury, consisting of members of the community, decides whether there is sufficient evidence for a case to be taken to court. The grand jury reviews evidence and a prosecuting attorney presents the facts of the case. If the jury decides the case is valid, they will issue a formal written statement known as an indictment. An arraignment is a formal court hearing in which a defendant is formally charged with a crime and advised of his or her rights. In Virginia, the judge will read the charges, ask the defendant to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest, and set the date for the next hearing in the case. Defendants may also opt to waive their right to an arraignment. The main difference between indictment and arraignment is that an indictment is a decision of the grand jury that there is enough evidence for a case to go to court. An arraignment is the formal charging of the defendant by the court and the setting of the date for the next hearing.

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