If a grand jury indicts you in California, it means they have decided you should face formal charges. An indictment is not the same thing as a conviction. Instead, after an indictment, you may face an arraignment hearing, or the judge may issue a warrant for your arrest.
A Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer can provide you with more detailed information about what to expect after an indictment. An attorney can also help you build a defense to the charges you face, helping you protect your future.
Understanding Indictments in California
An indictment is an integral part of the criminal justice system in California. The court system will not immediately indict you with a crime. Instead, law enforcement and other parties will first provide evidence to the prosecution.
The prosecution will review this evidence and present it to a grand jury. The grand jury then determines if the prosecution has enough evidence to proceed with the charges you face. If the grand jury believes there’s sufficient evidence, you will face formal charges through an indictment.
Note that the grand jury does not determine fault. This jury will not make a final decision about the charges you face or convict you. The grand jury only determines if there’s enough evidence to proceed with your criminal case.
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Types of Indictments in California
Your case may involve several types of indictments. A lawyer can assist you with a:
Misdemeanor Indictment
You may face a misdemeanor indictment if the grand jury believes you should face criminal charges for a misdemeanor. An attorney can provide examples of misdemeanors in California and help with your specific charges.
Felony Indictment
You may face a felony indictment if the prosecution charges you with a more serious offense. What happens after a felony indictment? In this situation, you’ll face charges in the court system that could result in prison time, jail time, and other severe penalties.
Sealed Indictment
What is a sealed indictment? These indictments do not provide immediate information about the charges the grand jury believes you should face. The court argues that it uses sealed indictments to:
- Protect currently ongoing investigations
- Safeguard victims and witnesses
- Prevent a flight risk
- Coordinate multiple arrest
Your attorney can provide more information about what happens if a grand jury indicts you in California and the court seals the decision.
You May Face Criminal Charges After an Indictment Hearing
If a grand jury indicts you in Califonia, it means you’ll need help from a criminal defense attorney to build a defense against the charges you face. A lawyer can help with all aspects of your criminal case.
Depending on your circumstances, a criminal defense law firm may:
- Support you during legal questioning
- Help during your arraignment hearing
- Represent you during your bail hearing (when applicable)
- Investigate and monitor the police to ensure they respect your rights
- Build a personalized defense to the charges you face
Your lawyer can also explain in more detail what happens in California if a grand jury indicts you.
What Happens if the Grand Jury Decides There’s Insufficient Evidence?
You may not face any criminal charges if a grand jury decides the prosecution has insufficient evidence. Therefore, an indictment hearing does not automatically mean you’ll face charges in the court system.
Instead, it could result in the dismissal of your case.
A Lawyer Can Defend You After an Indictment in California
An attorney can immediately work on a defense if a grand jury indicts you in California. Depending on your circumstances, you may rely on a criminal defense law firm to:
Block Evidence Against You
Even after your indictment, your lawyer may take steps to block evidence from the prosecution. This step can weaken the case against you and could result in the dismissal of your criminal charges.
Discuss a Plea Bargain
In some situations, your attorney may recommend that you accept a plea bargain offered by the prosecution. These deals require you to admit fault for a less serious criminal charge in exchange for reduced penalties.
Plea bargains do not always work in your best interests, so it’s important to discuss these agreements with a lawyer before you accept them.
Defend You in Court
Finally, your attorney can stand up for you in court and develop a defense strategy designed to meet your needs. You can rely on a lawyer to stick up for you and put you first in the aftermath of an indictment.
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Talk to Us if a Grand Jury Indicts You in California
What happens if a grand jury indicts you in CA? In this situation, you’ll face criminal charges. Fortunately, you can get immediate help from our team at the Simmrin Law Group. We have decades of experience and stand ready to build a defense for you.
You can find out more by calling or filling out our online contact form.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form