Indictment: What It Means, What Happens Next, And How A Defense Lawyer Can Help
If you or someone you love has been indicted in Utah, it probably feels like the floor just dropped out from under you. An indictment is serious, but it is not the same thing as a conviction, and it does not mean your case is over. It does mean that the government has taken a formal step toward prosecuting you and that every move you make from this point forward matters.
At Wasatch Defense Lawyers, we have guided many clients in Salt Lake County and across Utah through indictments in both state and federal court. We understand how confusing this stage can be, and we step in quickly to protect your rights, manage the damage, and start building a strategic defense. Below, we break down what an indictment is, what happens next procedurally, and how our experience can change the outcome of your case.
What Is An Indictment
In simple terms, an indictment is a formal written charge issued by a grand jury that accuses a person of committing a crime. It is the document that says, in legal language, “the State or United States believes you committed these specific offenses.“
In Utah, indictments are more common in serious felony and federal cases. Instead of a prosecutor filing charges directly, a grand jury of citizens reviews evidence presented by the prosecution and decides whether there is “probable cause” to believe a crime occurred and that you committed it.
Key points about indictments:
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An indictment is a charging document, not a guilty verdict.
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Probable cause is a low legal standard compared to “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
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You usually are not in the grand jury room, and your lawyer is limited in what they can do there.
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Once indicted, your case moves into the criminal court process for arraignment, pretrial hearings, and possibly trial.
If you want a deeper overview of how criminal charges work in Utah, our guide on understanding your rights in a Utah criminal case is a good place to start.
What is an indictment, in everyday language?
Think of an indictment as the government’s official “we are going forward“ notice. It opens the door to court dates, bail decisions, plea negotiations, and trial. It also tells us exactly what the prosecution thinks it can prove, which is why our work often starts with dissecting the indictment line by line.
How Indictments Work In The Criminal Justice Process
An indictment is one step in a larger criminal justice timeline. In Utah and federal cases, it usually fits into the process like this:
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Investigation
Law enforcement and sometimes federal agencies gather evidence. You might know you are under investigation, or it might come as a complete surprise.
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Grand jury presentation
The prosecutor presents witnesses and evidence to a grand jury in a closed proceeding. Defense lawyers are very limited in this setting, which is one reason we focus heavily on what happens before and after an indictment.
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Indictment returned
If the grand jury finds probable cause, it returns a “true bill” of indictment. If not, it returns “no bill” and charges are not filed at that time.
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Arraignment and first appearances
Once indicted, you are brought before a judge to hear the charges, address bail, and enter an initial plea. You can learn more about this stage in our explanation of what an arraignment is in Utah.
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Pretrial phase
This includes motions, plea discussions, and sometimes a preliminary hearing in state court cases that did not start with an indictment. For indicted cases, we focus on challenging evidence, negotiating with the prosecutor, and preparing for trial.
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Trial or resolution
Many cases resolve through negotiation. Others go to trial, where a jury decides guilt or innocence.
Our team spends significant time educating clients on the Utah criminal justice process, because when you understand where you are in the system, you can make better decisions about strategy, risk, and next steps.
Indictment In A Sentence: Examples And Plain Language Explanations
Legal terms can feel abstract until you hear them in a normal sentence. Here are a few examples of “indictment” used in everyday context, with plain language explanations.
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The federal grand jury returned an indictment charging him with wire fraud.”
Translation: A group of citizens reviewed the prosecutor’s evidence and decided there is enough evidence to formally accuse him of wire fraud.
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“After the indictment, she appeared in court for arraignment.”
Translation: Once she was formally charged by grand jury, she went to court to hear the charges, address release conditions, and enter an initial plea.
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“His lawyer filed a motion to dismiss part of the indictment.”
Translation: His defense attorney asked the judge to throw out specific counts or allegations in the formal charging document because they are legally or factually flawed.
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“Even though the indictment, he maintains his innocence.”
Translation: Even though a grand jury has formally accused him, he continues to say he did not commit the crime, and the government still must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
If you have received a document titled “Information” instead of “Indictment,“ that is a different charging document used when prosecutors file charges directly. Our article on how criminal charges are classified in Utah explains those distinctions in more depth.
Does An Indictment Mean Jail Time
An indictment by itself does not automatically mean jail or prison time, but it does raise important questions about your immediate and long term freedom.
Here is what an indictment can and cannot do:
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It can lead to arrest or continued custody.
If you were not already in custody, an indictment can trigger an arrest warrant. If you were already arrested, it can keep your case moving forward.
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It influences bail and pretrial release.
Judges often see an indictment as a sign that the case is serious. That can affect whether you are released and under what conditions.
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It does not prove guilt.
You are still presumed innocent. The government still has to meet the high standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
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It does not guarantee prison.
Many indicted cases end with reduced charges, probation, dismissal, or alternative resolutions, especially when the defense attacks weak points early.
Whether an indictment eventually leads to jail or prison depends on the strength of the evidence, the charges, your criminal history, and the quality of your defense. A careless statement, missed deadline, or poorly handled hearing can change everything, which is why we strongly discourage trying to navigate this alone.
If you are wondering when to involve a lawyer, our guide on when you should hire a criminal defense lawyer explains why acting early, often before or right after indictment, can protect you from avoidable jail exposure.
How Many Indictments Lead To Conviction
People often ask us some version of this question: “If I have been indicted, what are the odds I am going to be convicted?“
There is no single statewide number for Utah, and every case is different. That said, in both Utah and federal courts, a high percentage of indicted cases result in some kind of conviction or plea. Nationally, federal statistics frequently show conviction or plea rates above 90 percent for indicted defendants.
Why are the numbers so high?
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Prosecutors usually seek indictment only after significant investigation.
By the time a case reaches a grand jury, the government already has a theory and a body of evidence.
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Grand juries hear mostly the prosecution’s side.
The process is one sided. The standard is low, and defense participation is limited.
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Many defendants accept plea deals without fully exploring their defenses.
Fear, pressure, and lack of experienced counsel can push people into quick plea bargains that might not be in their best interest.
This is exactly why skilled representation matters. A strong defense can:
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Expose flaws in the indictment or the underlying investigation.
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Suppress illegally obtained evidence using tools like evidence suppression motions.
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Reframe the case in negotiations so that it does not end in the most serious possible conviction.
We also warn clients about the common mistakes people make after being arrested that unintentionally increase the likelihood of conviction. Indictment is a turning point, not the end of the road.
Why Professional Legal Representation Matters At The Indictment Stage
An indictment is not the moment to “wait and see what happens.“ It is the point where having an experienced criminal defense team can make the difference between a manageable outcome and a life changing one.
Here is what we focus on once a client is indicted:
Immediate damage control
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Protecting you from further questioning or self incriminating statements.
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Advising you on what to say and not say to family, employers, and law enforcement.
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Addressing bail and release conditions as early as possible.
Attacking the indictment and evidence
We carefully review each count in the indictment and the supporting evidence. In some cases, we challenge defects in the charging document itself. In others, we file motions related to search and seizure problems, Miranda violations, or unreliable witnesses. Our article on what your rights are when charged with a crime covers many of the rights we invoke in these fights.
Building a strategic path forward
Every client’s goals are different. Some want to fight all the way to trial. Others want to reduce exposure and protect family, career, and immigration status. Our team is known for its winning strategy in criminal cases, which blends trial readiness with smart negotiation.
We also guide clients through key court settings such as arraignments, pretrial conferences, and possible plea in abeyance arrangements. You can read more about plea in abeyance in Utah and other alternatives we may pursue, depending on the facts of your case.
Trying to navigate an indictment without professional help is risky. The law is complex, the stakes are high, and prosecutors handle these cases every day. You deserve a team that has been in that arena many times and knows how to protect you.
Client Testimonials
Indictment FAQs
Answers Based on Utah Law and Real Case Experience
What is an indictment in Utah, in simple terms?
Does an indictment mean I am going to jail or prison?
How does an indictment fit into the criminal justice process in Utah?
What should I do right after being indicted in Utah?
How long after an indictment does a case usually go to trial?
Can an indictment be dismissed or reduced before trial?
Speak With A Criminal Defense Attorney About Your Indictment Today
If you have been indicted or believe you may be under investigation in Salt Lake County or anywhere in Utah, the most important step you can take right now is to speak directly with a defense lawyer who understands indictments inside and out.
At Wasatch Defense Lawyers, we:
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Have completed more than 650 trials and handled many indictment based cases in Utah state and federal courts.
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Are available 24/7 to respond when charges or arrests happen at the worst possible time.
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Offer free, confidential case reviews so you can understand your situation before making critical decisions.
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Prioritize clear, honest communication so you are never left guessing about what comes next.
If you want to read more before calling, our resources on the Utah criminal defense process and pre trial services and procedures can help you get oriented. But no online article can replace direct legal advice tailored to your exact charges and history.
You do not have to face an indictment alone. Contact Wasatch Defense Lawyers in Salt Lake City to speak with a criminal defense attorney who will treat your case with urgency, respect, and the level of preparation it deserves.
