A secret indictment is a type of criminal indictment that is kept confidential until the accused person is arrested. In other words, the indictment is sealed and the accused person is not notified of the charges against them until they are arrested. Secret indictments are used in cases where the government believes that the accused person may flee or may try to destroy evidence if they know that they are being investigated.
Secret indictments are also used in cases where the government wants to protect the identity of a confidential informant or witness. For example, if the government has a witness who is afraid of retaliation or who may be in danger if their identity is revealed, a secret indictment may be used to protect them.
The Process of a Secret Indictment
The process of obtaining a secret indictment is similar to that of a regular indictment. The government presents evidence to a grand jury, which then decides whether there is enough evidence to charge the accused person with a crime. However, in the case of a secret indictment, the indictment is sealed and the accused person is not notified of the charges until they are arrested.
Once the accused person is arrested, they are brought before a judge who reads the charges against them. At this point, the accused person has the opportunity to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. If they enter a plea of not guilty, the case proceeds to trial.
Why Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime, it is important to hire a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. A criminal defense lawyer can help you understand the charges against you and the potential penalties that you may face. They can also help you build a strong defense and negotiate with prosecutors for a plea bargain, if necessary.
If you need legal representation for a criminal case, visit Ravellawfirm.com. The lawyers at Ravel Law Firm have years of experience representing clients in a wide range of criminal cases, including those involving secret indictments. Contact them today to schedule a consultation and get the legal representation you need.
