Understanding Indictments: A Guide for the Trump Case and Beyond

Legal experts explain that in criminal prosecution proceedings, suspects aren't always hit with charges or a visit from an officer until long after an official investigation is underway. Typically, prosecutors would impanel a grand jury for a formal criminal indictment. In most criminal cases, prosecutors and investigators have more than enough evidence or a case to bring that indictment in quickly. However, prosecutors can start with the criminal indictment process in the beginning, especially if their case needs more evidence to press those charges.