Super Lawyers
Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Justia Lawyer Rating
Justia Lawyer Rating
AVVO
Badge 07

What is an Indictment?

The legal process of bringing criminal charges may involve an Indictment in North Carolina. Pursuant to Chapter 15A, the North Carolina Criminal Procedure Act, pleadings originally brought in Superior Court must be by way of Bill of Indictment, unless waived or handled in an alternate fashion such as a Bill of Information.

“The manner of formally advising people of the charges against them, ensuring compliance with 6th Amendment protections associated with a fair trial, can be complicated. Defense lawyers take great pains to review the process, including indictments, in preparing a defense” - Danny Glover, Criminal Defense Attorney

Due Process and Equal Protection of the Law are more than mere, technical legal jargon. Our system of justice demands everyone is treated the same and that the criminal laws are applied equally. We have answers to your legal issues such as:

  • What is an Indictment?
  • What does Indicted Mean?
  • Can Indictments be Amended?
What is an Indictment? When is an Indictment Required? What is an Indictment?

The U.S. Constitution and North Carolina Constitution, including the Bill of Rights, provide certain basic protections to people accused of violating the law. Each state, in enforcing the criminal laws, is subject to the U.S Constitution under the 14th Amendment and must further comply with all statutory provisions regarding criminal pleadings.

States may also provide protections in addition to the basic precepts of Constitutional Rights. Put simply, the General Assembly cannot remove Constitutional Protections; but, they may add to those legal rights or otherwise provide clarity and instruction on their proper application.

§ 15A-923 applies to felony and misdemeanor cases initiated in Superior Court. If a Bill of Indictment is properly waived, pleadings may take the form of the Bill of Information. Otherwise, the statute mandates prosecution must be handled through a bill of indictment.

Indictments include important information about the charges, the defendant, what allegedly took place, and what criminal laws were violated, including:

  • Identification of the Accused, name of the Defendant
  • The offense or offenses charged
  • The jurisdiction of the criminal charges, the County in NC
  • The existence of Aggravating Factors
  • The date or dates of offenses
  • Identification of the Victim

Defense lawyers are particularly interested in reviewing the, “plain and concise” statement of the factual basis for the charges and the specific statute alleged to have been violated under Chapter 14: Criminal Laws and/or Common Law offenses.

“Defense lawyers do well to confirm compliance with the procedural aspects of criminal charges. At our law firm, we want to review the pleadings, including all the paperwork you may have received upon being released from jail” - Danny Glover, Criminal Defense Lawyer

Violations of the Criminal Procedure Act may be brought at any time. Appellate Courts in North Carolina review assertions that a Bill of Indictment is deficient on its face De Novo and therefore is not subject to the Abuse of Discretion standard.

Can Indictments be Amended? Errors in a Bill of Indictment Requirements of an Indictment

An October 2018 opinion by North Carolina Court of Appeals called North Carolina v. Hill helps explain errors in Bills of Indictment.

Indictments are not required to be perfect. Technical violations in form and errors in wording often survive appellate scrutiny. Put simply, substantial compliance with the law, requiring the pleading to be “read as a whole” is often acceptable in North Carolina.

The meaning of the words in an indictment is said to be “clearly apparent” if people of “common understanding” can tell what was meant or intended by the Bill of Indictment. One of the primary and most important aspects of charging documents, including Indictments and a Bill of Information, is to advise the accused of the criminal charges against her or him.

Under N.C.G.S. § 15A-923(e), a Bill of Indictment is not allowed to be amended if such amendment substantially changes or alters the criminal charges described within the indictment.

Courts are required to consider the purposes the indictment/pleading laws in North Carolina, the primary one is the 6th Amendment Right and protection allowing the Defendant to prepare for trial. If the State seeks to amend an indictment in such as way as it would substantially alter the nature of the criminal charges, the Court would not allow the amendment.

Danny Glover – OBX Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have questions about criminal charges in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Danny Glover is available for consultation and possible legal representation. Danny Glover Law Firm provides a Free Consultation for criminal charges.

Everything you reveal to our defense team is held strictly confidential.

You may reach Danny Glover directly at: danny@dannygloverlawfirm.com

Client Reviews
★★★★★
"I highly recommend working with Glover Law Firm. I live outside of the state and had a traffic citation in NC that would have required me to return to the state for court. Glover Law Firm was able to represent me for my court date such that I did not need to appear, and they facilitated a very positive outcome for me. I felt that the fee I paid Glover for their services was completely fair and reasonable for the time and money I saved." Bondwc WC.
★★★★★
"Danny Glover is the most meticulous and detailed lawyer I know. As a DWI Services provider in NC, I've had nothing but the best feedback from my clients about his legal services. If you want to feel like you matter but also get professional legal services, Danny is your go to." Anna Coker
★★★★★
"I hired Danny Glover to represent my daughter in a traffic violation. He did an amazing job at handling her situation quickly. I can't say enough about the way he generally care for his clients. If I ever need legal help or advice again, Danny Glover is who I would call." Leigh H.
★★★★★
"I have used Danny Glover on numerous SERIOUS felony charges and also traffic misdemeanor charges for the last 15 years. He has beat or gotten every single charge I've had reduced or dismissed the man is a beast! Top Notch!" Shane Howard
★★★★★
"Danny Glover is by far the best lawyer that I have had represent me. I can only give 5 stars but he deserves more than that. His staff was extremely personable and professional. If you have a traffic citation in an area covered by Mr. Glover, you would be a fool not to hire him and his staff to represent you." Sean M.