Ohio Surety Bail Agent Practice Exam

An indictment is a formal accusation that signifies that a grand jury has determined there is enough evidence to charge a person with a crime. This process typically follows a review of evidence presented by a prosecutor. The grand jury listens to testimonies and examines evidence before deciding whether to issue an indictment. This legal mechanism serves to protect individuals from unfounded accusations by ensuring that there is a level of scrutiny before criminal charges are formally brought. In contrast, a written order for arrest refers to a document issued by a judge or magistrate, directing law enforcement to apprehend a person; a type of misdemeanor crime pertains to a categorization of offenses that are less serious than felonies; and a person's commitment to appear in court signifies their promise or legal obligation to attend a scheduled court hearing, which is separate from the process of being formally charged with a crime.