Ohio Surety Bail Agent Practice Exam

What type of crime usually involves an indictment?

1. A civil offense

2. A petty offense

3. A felony

4. A minor infraction

The correct answer is: A felony

The correct response is that a felony usually involves an indictment. In the legal system, an indictment is a formal accusation that a person has committed a crime, and it is typically used for more serious offenses. Felonies are categorized as serious crimes, which can carry significant penalties, including imprisonment for more than one year. The indictment process is a method to formally charge an individual after a grand jury review, ensuring that there is sufficient evidence to proceed with prosecution. In contrast, civil offenses do not involve criminal charges and, therefore, never result in an indictment, as they are typically disputes between individuals or entities. Petty offenses are minor violations that usually do not require a grand jury indictment; they can often be handled through a more straightforward judicial process. Minor infractions, which are the least serious offenses, typically result in citations or fines rather than formal charges through an indictment. Thus, the use of an indictment is strongly associated with felonies due to their severity and the need for more rigorous legal procedures.