What document formally accuses individuals of a crime presented by a grand jury?

The document that formally accuses individuals of a crime presented by a grand jury is known as an indictment. This legal instrument signifies that the grand jury has reviewed evidence and found sufficient grounds to charge the individual with a specific offense. It is a critical step in the criminal justice process, as it helps ensure that there is a legitimate basis for prosecuting someone, thus protecting individuals from unfounded accusations.

In this context, an indictment not only serves to initiate formal charges but also provides the defendant with information regarding the nature of the charges against them, which is essential for preparing a defense. The role of the grand jury in this instance is to act as a check on the prosecutorial powers, ensuring that there is adequate evidence before a case proceeds to trial.

The other documents mentioned, such as a detainer, affidavit, and modification, serve different purposes in the legal realm. A detainer often relates to holding an individual in custody due to pending charges; an affidavit is a sworn statement of fact; and a modification may refer to changes in the terms of probation, parole, or sentencing. None of these fulfill the specific role of formally accusing someone of a crime as an indictment does.