If a grand jury determines that probable cause exists and that the accused committed a crime, the grand jury then:

If a grand jury determines that probable cause exists and that the accused committed a crime, the grand jury then:

• A. Issues an information
• B. Issues an indictment
• C. Issues a mittimus
• D. Enters a finding of guilty

Answer: (B)

When a grand jury determines that probable cause exists regarding the commission of a crime by the accused, it will issue an indictment. An indictment is a formal accusation that initiates a criminal case, allowing the prosecution to proceed with charges against the defendant. This step is essential in the legal process as it signifies that enough evidence has been gathered to warrant a trial. In contrast, an information is a charging document typically issued by a prosecutor without a grand jury, while a mittimus is a court order directing law enforcement to convey a person to jail or prison, and entering a finding of guilty occurs after a trial and conviction, not during the grand jury process. By understanding these distinctions, it is clear why the issuance of an indictment is the correct outcome following a grand jury's determination of probable cause.

When a grand jury determines that probable cause exists regarding the commission of a crime by the accused, it will issue an indictment. An indictment is a formal accusation that initiates a criminal case, allowing the prosecution to proceed with charges against the defendant. This step is essential in the legal process as it signifies that enough evidence has been gathered to warrant a trial.

In contrast, an information is a charging document typically issued by a prosecutor without a grand jury, while a mittimus is a court order directing law enforcement to convey a person to jail or prison, and entering a finding of guilty occurs after a trial and conviction, not during the grand jury process. By understanding these distinctions, it is clear why the issuance of an indictment is the correct outcome following a grand jury's determination of probable cause.