What is the difference between an indictment and an information?

An indictment and an information are both documents that serve to formally charge someone with a crime. The difference between them is the way in which they are issued. An indictment is only issued when a grand jury has heard evidence of a crime and has decided there is enough evidence to charge the accused. This is usually done without the accused present or aware of the proceedings. An information is issued by a prosecuting attorney and does not require the involvement of a grand jury. It can often be used when the accused has already been arrested, and is based on the police report and other evidence that has been collected. In Washington, indictments are generally used to charge felony crimes while information is used to charge misdemeanors.

Related FAQs

What are the penalties for health care fraud?
What are the consequences for violating banking regulations?
How do the U.S. and other countries cooperate in prosecuting white collar crime?
What is insider trading?
What is bank fraud?
How do asset protection strategies help defend against white collar crime allegations?
How is foreclosure fraud committed?
What is the difference between racketeering and white collar crime?
What is the difference between a white collar crime and a federal crime?
What is identity theft?

What is the difference between an indictment and an information?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts