Why are indictments sealed?
- To ensure an arrest
The main reason is to prevent the accused from being alerted to the charges and escaping before law enforcement can apprehend them.
- To protect ongoing investigations
Prosecutors may seek to keep the indictment secret to allow them to continue gathering evidence and making arrests without alerting other suspects.
- To protect witnesses
Sealing an indictment can shield witnesses or informants from potential harm, intimidation, or retaliation by the accused.
- To facilitate sting operations or mass arrests
It can also be used in planned operations where a surprise arrest is crucial for the operation's success.
- To protect ongoing investigations
- A prosecutor presents evidence to a grand jury, an impartial group of citizens.
- If the grand jury finds enough evidence, it issues a formal indictment, charging the individual with a felony.
- The prosecutor can then request that the judge seal the indictment, keeping it confidential.
- The indictment is then hidden from public view until a judge orders it unsealed.
- Once unsealed, the charges become public, and the defendant is typically arrested and made aware of the accusations.
- A prosecutor presents evidence to a grand jury, an impartial group of citizens.
