Indictment, ihn DYT muhnt, in law, is a written statement accusing one or more persons of a particular crime. An indictment can be issued only by a grand jury and only for a serious crime. The grand jury must find that there is probable cause (reason) to accuse a person of a crime. The word indictment comes from the old French word enditer, meaning to make known. In an indictment, the grand jury makes known both the accused and the exact offense. The chairperson of the grand jury and the prosecuting attorney must sign the true bill (bill of indictment). No one can be convicted of a greater offense than that charged in the indictment. The form and language of any indictment are prescribed by law. See also Jury; Trial.