What is an indictment?

An indictment is a formal criminal charge laid against a person, meaning that it officially accuses an individual of a crime after a thorough examination of evidence, often presented to a grand jury. This legal process is a crucial step in the criminal justice system, as it signifies that there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial. By obtaining an indictment, prosecutors demonstrate that they believe there is enough basis to bring forth legal charges against the accused, thus initiating the prosecution process.

The other options refer to different legal concepts. A legal defense strategy is utilized during trial proceedings to defend a defendant against accusations, while a plea agreement represents a negotiation between the accused and prosecution that typically involves the defendant agreeing to plead guilty in exchange for a reduced charge or sentence. A civil summons, on the other hand, is a document issued to notify a defendant about a civil lawsuit and does not pertain to criminal allegations.