Legal Definitions - true bill

A true bill is a formal decision made by a grand jury, indicating that there is sufficient evidence to proceed with criminal charges against an individual. When a grand jury issues a true bill, it signifies that they have found "probable cause"—meaning there is a reasonable basis to believe that a crime was committed and that the accused person likely committed it. This decision results in a formal indictment, which allows the prosecution to move forward with a trial.

Conversely, if a grand jury determines there isn't enough evidence to establish probable cause, they issue a "no bill," which typically leads to the charges being dropped.

• Example 1: Public Corruption Investigation

  Imagine a situation where federal prosecutors are investigating a state senator for alleged campaign finance violations and misuse of public funds. After months of gathering evidence, including financial records, emails, and witness testimonies, the prosecution presents its case to a grand jury. The grand jury, after reviewing all the presented evidence and hearing from witnesses, concludes that there is enough probable cause to believe the senator committed the alleged crimes. They then issue a true bill, formally indicting the senator and allowing the case to proceed to a criminal trial.

  This example illustrates how a true bill serves as the grand jury's official endorsement that the evidence warrants moving forward with serious criminal charges against a public official.

• Example 2: Complex Financial Fraud

  A large corporation uncovers evidence suggesting that a former executive engaged in a multi-million dollar scheme to defraud investors. Law enforcement conducts a thorough investigation, compiling extensive documentation, including forged contracts, manipulated financial statements, and expert analysis. This evidence is then presented to a grand jury. If the grand jury finds that the prosecution has met the probable cause standard, believing the executive likely committed the fraud, they will issue a true bill. This action formally indicts the executive, paving the way for a criminal prosecution in court.

  Here, the true bill demonstrates the grand jury's role in validating the strength of the evidence in a complex white-collar crime, allowing the legal process to advance to trial.

• Example 3: Violent Crime Case

  Following a violent home invasion, police arrest a suspect based on forensic evidence and eyewitness accounts. The district attorney's office then presents this evidence—including DNA analysis, victim testimony, and security footage—to a grand jury. The grand jury carefully considers whether the presented facts establish probable cause that the suspect committed the home invasion and assault. If they agree that the evidence is sufficient, they will return a true bill, which formally indicts the suspect and allows the prosecutor to pursue the charges in a felony court.

  This scenario shows the true bill as the grand jury's confirmation that the evidence in a violent crime case is strong enough to justify a formal indictment and subsequent criminal trial.