Legal Definitions - indictee

An indictee is an individual who has been formally accused of a crime by a grand jury. This formal accusation, known as an indictment, signifies that the grand jury has reviewed evidence and determined there is sufficient probable cause to believe a crime has been committed and that the person should stand trial. It is crucial to remember that being an indictee means a person has been officially charged, but it does not mean they are guilty; the legal process will continue to determine their guilt or innocence.

Here are some examples to illustrate the term:

• Imagine a high-ranking executive at a large corporation. After a lengthy federal investigation into alleged financial misconduct, a grand jury reviews the evidence and decides there is enough to formally charge the executive with multiple counts of securities fraud. At this point, the executive becomes an indictee, meaning they have been officially charged and will now face a criminal trial.

• Consider a local government official suspected of accepting bribes in exchange for awarding lucrative public contracts. Following a detailed investigation by federal agents, a grand jury convenes and determines that there is probable cause to believe the official committed bribery and other related offenses. Once the grand jury issues its formal charges, the official is then referred to as an indictee, signifying their formal accusation and the commencement of their criminal proceedings.

• A person is suspected of orchestrating a large-scale cyberattack that resulted in the theft of sensitive customer data from several online businesses. After law enforcement gathers substantial digital evidence and forensic reports, a grand jury examines the case. If the grand jury concludes there is enough evidence to proceed with a trial, they will issue an indictment. The individual is then an indictee, officially charged with cyber theft and data breaches, and will prepare for their court appearances.