Once an indictment is returned you’re called before a judge to answer that indictment to plead guilty or not guilty. After a grand jury indictment, the individual who is charged in the case usually has a chance to enter a plea. If he chooses to plead not guilty, a trial is set, during which prosecuting attorneys work to prove his guilt while defense attorneys work to prove his innocence. Both charges can lead to incarceration of the accused if he or she is found guilty; therefore, it is advisable to seek legal advice from an experienced criminal solicitor upon arrest. After the prosecutor finishes arguing the case, the grand jury votes and if a majority of the jurors vote in favor of there being probable cause, a “true bill” will be returned. If you are in jail and the case is not indicted within 90 days you can get a PR bond. After a grand jury indictment, a defendant has the opportunity to enter a plea. When the non-formal ticket is turned into an indictment, the person is taken to the next step of the felony process, which means going in front of a felony judge, where they will be arraigned, which is when the judge will advise them of the charges, let them know the maximum penalties, and their attorney will enter a plea of “not guilty” into the record. What Happens If You Are Charged With Common Assault And/Or Battery The terms ‘assault’ and ‘battery’, are classed as Summary Offences under the Criminal Justice Act 1988. In most legal cases, after an indictment has been handed down by a grand jury, the defendant is arraigned on the charges and pleads guilty or not guilty in court. Being indicted can in no way be used against you in a criminal trial. If you have not retained a criminal defense attorney yet I suggest you do so soon. A guilty plea could lead to a quick sentencing hearing or the imposition of a pre-arranged plea bargain with prosecutors. Even if the indictment is approved, this only means that the prosecution has enough evidence to bring the case to court – it does not mean the suspected individual has been found guilty. If a defendant pleads not guilty, the case will move forward to trial. What Happens After an Indictment? Generally, at least 12 grand jurors must vote to approve the indictment for the indictment to move forward. Here are some of the most important factors to a prosecutor: Political Aspirations: prosecutors often run for office or seek political appointments. Posted January 5, 2013 1:28am No, the case won't be dismissed. If You Are Indicted, You Have to Appear before a Judge to Plead Guilty or Not Guilty If a majority finds that there is probable cause to believe that a crime was committed by this individual, they return an indictment.