Indictment
An indictment is a formal legal document used in the criminal justice system that officially accuses someone of a crime. Think of it as the starting point of a serious criminal case. When you see this term on a resume, it usually means the person has experience handling serious criminal cases, typically at the federal level or in state courts that use indictments. It's different from simpler criminal charges because it requires approval from a grand jury - a group of citizens who review evidence to decide if there's enough reason for a criminal trial.
Examples in Resumes
Prepared and presented indictment documents for 50+ federal criminal cases
Managed case documentation from indictment through trial completion
Successfully processed over 100 indictments as Assistant District Attorney
Typical job title: "Prosecutors"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Prosecutors
Professional Associations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you handle complex multi-defendant indictment cases?
Expected Answer: Should discuss experience managing multiple defendants, coordinating with various law enforcement agencies, organizing evidence, and strategic considerations for prosecution.
Q: What's your approach to training junior prosecutors on indictment procedures?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate teaching ability, mention creating guidelines, reviewing work, and explaining complex legal procedures in simple terms.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What factors do you consider when deciding whether to seek an indictment?
Expected Answer: Should explain evaluating evidence strength, public interest, victim considerations, and resource allocation.
Q: How do you prepare a case for grand jury presentation?
Expected Answer: Should describe organizing evidence, preparing witnesses, coordinating with law enforcement, and ensuring all legal requirements are met.
Junior Level Questions
Q: Can you explain the basic process of obtaining an indictment?
Expected Answer: Should be able to describe the steps from case filing to grand jury presentation and formal charging.
Q: What's the difference between an indictment and a criminal complaint?
Expected Answer: Should explain that an indictment requires grand jury approval while a complaint is filed directly by prosecutors, and discuss when each is appropriate.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic indictment preparation
- Grand jury presentation assistance
- Case file organization
- Simple criminal procedure knowledge
Mid (2-5 years)
- Independent case management
- Grand jury presentations
- Multiple defendant cases
- Evidence evaluation
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex case management
- Department leadership
- Training and mentoring
- Policy development
Red Flags to Watch For
- No courtroom experience
- Unfamiliarity with criminal procedure
- Lack of grand jury experience
- Poor understanding of evidence rules
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