Indictment

From the Law Office of Alison Grinter in Dallas, Texas

For any Felony offense to be formally charged in Texas, the allegation must be presented by the prosecutor to the Grand Jury, a group of twelve individuals selected from the community. The Grand Jury must decide whether there is sufficient evidence to establish probable cause that the accused person committed the crime charged. If they believe that there is probable cause, they return a "True Bill of Indictment" also known as an Indictment. If they return an indictment, the case goes on to court and the defendant is charged with the felony offense. If they believe that there is not enough evidence to go forward, they return a "No Bill". The prosecutor is still able to gather up more evidence and resubmit the case to the Grand Jury later, but he or she does not have to do so, and if nothing else happens, the person is not charged with the felony and is probably entitled to an expunction when the Statute of Limitations runs out.

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