Understanding Indictments and Presidential Eligibility in the US
An indictment is a formal accusation, not a conviction, and is the first step in bringing a case to trial. A grand jury, composed of residents chosen at random, hears evidence and testimony only from prosecutors and can issue an indictment with a simple majority. The exact charges against Donald J. Trump are under seal and will not be revealed until he is brought to Manhattan Criminal Court for a formal arraignment, which is expected to happen on Tuesday.