Indictment FAQ
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
My case was indicted. What does that mean?
When your case is indicted, it means that the State has presented the case against you to the grand jury (6 to 12 residents of the county where the crime is alleged to have been committed) and the grand jury has determined that State has presented at least enough evidence, whether that evidence is tangible, circumstantial, or testimonial, that if found to be true could lead to a finding of guilt.
If your case is indicted it does not mean that you are guilty, it simply means that the grand jury has determined that the State has presented at least enough evidence to support their theory of the case against you. At this point in the proceedings, you have not been convicted of anything and you are still presumed to be innocent.
However, it is imperative that you retain an attorney, if you have not already done so, to properly advise and defend you against the indictment and the charges the government has filed.