What term describes the formal, written accusation charging a defendant with a crime?

• A. Criminal proceeding
• B. Misdemeanors
• C. Felonies
• D. Indictment

Answer: (D)

Indictment is the formal, written accusation charging a person with a crime. It’s typically issued after a grand jury reviews evidence and determines there’s probable cause to bring the case to trial, outlining the charges against the defendant. This distinguishes from the broader criminal proceeding, which is the entire process from charging through trial. Misdemeanors and felonies are categories of offenses by severity, not documents; in some jurisdictions prosecutors may file an information instead of an indictment, but the classic term for the formal written charge is indictment.