What is the difference between an indictment and an information?

In California, white collar crimes law defines the difference between an indictment and an information. An indictment is a formal charge issued by a grand jury that alleges that a certain individual has committed a crime. This is done after evidence is presented to the grand jury, and the grand jury determines that there is enough evidence to support the charge. An indictment does not automatically result in a criminal conviction, as there must still be a trial in order to determine guilt or innocence. An information, on the other hand, is a criminal charge that is filed directly by a prosecutor, without the involvement of a grand jury. This is usually done when the evidence for a crime is not sufficient to go to a grand jury or when the case requires an expedited process. The prosecution issues an information, and a defendant may then choose to plead guilty or take the case to trial. In short, the difference between an indictment and an information is that an indictment is issued by a grand jury and an information is directly filed by a prosecutor. Both indictments and informations are essential elements of white collar crimes law in California.

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What is the difference between an indictment and an information?

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