A criminal indictment is a term commonly used in criminal law. In criminal law, it specifically refers to a document that outlines the specific charges and facts relating to a criminal act. This formal written statement is issued by the prosecuting attorney and it is found by a jury or a grand jury. It charges a person with a specific criminal offense. This is a portion of the legal proceeding having to do with charging a person with a crime. However, it is just a formality in that an indictment simple enters the charges and accusations into the legal system. Once the indictment is issued, the court proceedings may begin, which may or may not include a jury trial or a bench trial.