Florida Bail Bonds Practice Exam

What does an indictment represent?

1. A written accusation by a state attorney

2. A formal charge from a grand jury

3. An informal accusation by an officer

4. A defense statement in court

The correct answer is: A formal charge from a grand jury

An indictment represents a formal charge brought against an individual by a grand jury. This process involves a group of citizens who review evidence presented by a prosecutor to determine whether there is enough evidence to formally accuse someone of a crime. The grand jury's decision to issue an indictment indicates that they believe there is sufficient cause to proceed to trial. This serves as an important legal safeguard to ensure that individuals are not charged without adequate evidence, reflecting the principle that every person is entitled to due process under the law. In contrast, the other options describe different legal concepts that do not involve the formalities of an indictment. A written accusation by a state attorney would refer to a charging document, while an informal accusation by an officer does not carry the same weight or process as an indictment. Additionally, a defense statement in court would pertain to the arguments made by the defendant or their lawyer, rather than any formal accusation of wrongdoing.