What is the main difference between an indictment and information?

The main difference between an indictment and information lies in the process by which they are initiated. An indictment is a formal charge brought against an individual and is typically established through the approval of a grand jury, which is a group of citizens convened to review evidence and determine if there is enough cause to charge someone with a crime.

On the other hand, information is a formal accusation initiated directly by a prosecutor without involving a grand jury. This means that the prosecutor presents the charges directly to the court based on the evidence they have. This distinction is important in the legal process because it reflects different procedural paths for bringing criminal charges, with implicating factors like the seriousness of the offense and the jurisdictional practices involved.

Indictments are often used for more serious offenses, whereas information might be used for less severe charges, but both refer to the criminal justice system's way of formalizing allegations against a defendant. Understanding this difference is critical for those involved in legal processes, especially in probation and parole settings.