Legal Definitions - indictor

An indictor is an individual whose actions, testimony, or presentation of evidence directly leads to a grand jury formally accusing another person of a crime. This formal accusation, known as an indictment, signifies that the grand jury believes there is sufficient evidence to proceed with criminal charges against the accused.

Here are some examples illustrating the role of an indictor:

• Example 1: The Prosecuting Attorney

  During a grand jury proceeding, Assistant District Attorney Sarah Chen presents a comprehensive case, including witness testimonies and forensic evidence, against Mr. David Miller for alleged embezzlement. After reviewing the evidence presented by Ms. Chen, the grand jury votes to issue an indictment against Mr. Miller.

  Explanation: In this scenario, Assistant District Attorney Sarah Chen acts as the indictor because her presentation of evidence and arguments directly caused the grand jury to indict Mr. Miller.

• Example 2: The Primary Witness

  Ms. Emily Rodriguez, a key witness to a violent assault, provides compelling and detailed testimony to a grand jury, identifying the perpetrator and describing the events leading up to the crime. Her testimony is so persuasive that the grand jury decides there is probable cause to believe the accused committed the offense and subsequently issues an indictment.

  Explanation: Ms. Rodriguez is considered an indictor because her direct and crucial testimony was the primary factor that led the grand jury to formally accuse the perpetrator through an indictment.

• Example 3: The Lead Investigator

  Detective Mark Johnson spends months meticulously investigating a complex fraud scheme, gathering financial records, interviewing suspects, and compiling a detailed report. He then presents his findings to the prosecutor, who uses Detective Johnson's compiled evidence to seek an indictment from a grand jury. The grand jury, convinced by the strength of the evidence uncovered by Detective Johnson, issues an indictment against the alleged fraudsters.

  Explanation: Although Detective Johnson did not directly present to the grand jury, his thorough investigation and the compelling evidence he uncovered were the foundational cause that enabled the prosecutor to secure the indictment, thereby making him an indictor in a broader sense of "causing another to be indicted."