Sealed Indictment

A formal document accusing a person of a crime, kept confidential by the court until the defendant is arrested.
The grand jury returned a sealed indictment against the suspect in the embezzlement case.
United States v. Hastings (1983) addressed the legal requirements for unsealing an indictment.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of a sealed indictment?

Protects the investigation, prevents the defendant from fleeing or tampering with evidence, and safeguards the reputations of those accused before an arrest.

How long can an indictment remain sealed?

No set time limit, but courts consider factors like the ongoing investigation and the potential harm to the defendant if the indictment is unsealed.

What happens after a sealed indictment is unsealed?

An arrest warrant is typically issued, and the defendant is brought before a court to answer the charges.

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