INDICTMENT

An indictment is a formal criminal charge by a grand jury. It means that the grand jury (a group of citizens called by the federal prosecutor) believes that there is enough evidence to prove that a crime has been committed and that it is likely you were the one who committed it.

In the federal system, a grand jury indictment is the formal start of a case. By this time, it is very important to get an opportunity to consult a lawyer. Call 919-838-6643 to request a consultation with the North Carolina law firm of Marcilliat & Mills PLLC.

If you have not already been arrested on the federal charges, you will either be summoned to appear or an arrest warrant will be issued to bring you in.

Does An Indictment Mean That You Are Guilty?

A grand jury does not determine guilt. Being indicted for a crime is not the same as a conviction. However, an indictment does indicate that the federal prosecutor has strong evidence against you. The grand jury process can be avoided if you decide to waive the indictment process, but that choice should be weighed only with the help of an experienced defense lawyer.

If You’ve Been Indicted, Seek Legal Help

If you face a federal grand jury, talk to an attorney before waiving indictment. An indictment may lead to plea offers from the prosecutor. Determining the best course of action should involve a serious discussion with an experienced federal criminal defense attorney, who may be able to negotiate a favorable plea bargain, argue for the exclusion of key evidence, or advance a valid defense and fight for your at trial.

State v. B.S.: Not Guilty Verdict in First Degree Murder Case.

In this case, our client was charged with First Degree Murder in connection with a “drive by” shooting that occurred in Charlotte, NC. The State’s evidence included GPS ankle monitoring data linking our client was at the scene of the crime and evidence that our client confessed to an inmate while in jail. Nonetheless, we convinced a jury to unanimously find our client Not Guilty. He was released from jail the same day.

State v. S.G.: First Degree Murder Charge Dismissed.

Our client was charged with First Degree for the shooting death related to an alleged breaking and entering. The State’s evidence included a co-defendant alleging that our client was the shooter. After conducting a thorough investigation with the use of a private investigator, we persuaded the State to dismiss entirely the case against our client.

State v. B.D.: First Degree Murder Charged Dismissed.

After conducting an investigation and communicating with prosecutor about the facts and circumstances indicating that our client acted in self-defense, the case was dismissed and deemed a justifiable homicide.

State v. I.R.: Reduction from First Degree Murder to Involuntary Manslaughter and Concealment of Death.

Our client was charged with the First Degree Murder of a young lady by drug overdose. After investigating the decedent’s background and hiring a preeminent expert toxicologist to fight the State’s theory of death, we were able to negotiate this case down from Life in prison to 5 years in prison, with credit for time served.

State v. J.G.:

Our client was charged with First Degree Murder related to a “drug deal gone bad.” After engaging the services of a private investigator and noting issues with the State’s case, we were able to negotiate a plea for our client that avoided a Life sentence and required him to serve only 12 years.

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