Which document is typically filed to commence criminal proceedings after a grand jury finds sufficient evidence?

Which document is typically filed to commence criminal proceedings after a grand jury finds sufficient evidence?

• A. Bill of Indictment
• B. Information
• C. Complaint
• D. Indictment

Answer: (D)

After a grand jury finds sufficient evidence, the formal charging document issued is an indictment. This indictment, sometimes called a true bill, names the defendant, states the charges, and is filed with the court to start the criminal case. In systems that don’t use a grand jury, prosecutors file an information instead, and a complaint is used for initial or misdemeanor proceedings in certain contexts. The term “bill of indictment” is an older way to refer to the same concept, but the standard modern term is indictment.

After a grand jury finds sufficient evidence, the formal charging document issued is an indictment. This indictment, sometimes called a true bill, names the defendant, states the charges, and is filed with the court to start the criminal case. In systems that don’t use a grand jury, prosecutors file an information instead, and a complaint is used for initial or misdemeanor proceedings in certain contexts. The term “bill of indictment” is an older way to refer to the same concept, but the standard modern term is indictment.