An indictment is a formal accusation or charge against an individual for committing a serious crime. It is typically issued by a grand jury after they have reviewed evidence presented by prosecutors and decided there is enough proof to justify a trial. The accused person is then brought before a court, where the charges are read aloud and the legal process begins. An indictment can also refer to an official document that lists the specific accusations against someone or something, such as in the case of a formal investigation into wrongdoing by a public official.