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An\u00a0<\/span>indictment<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>is a formal accusation or charge based on a finding by a Grand Jury that it is likely that the person charged committed the criminal offense described in the indictment and is the means by which an accused person (defendant) is brought to trial. An indictment raises no inference of guilt. As in all criminal cases, each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.<\/div>\n
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An\u00a0<\/span>information<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>is a formal accusation of a crime by a government attorney rather than a Grand Jury.\u00a0 An information raises no inference of guilt. As in all criminal cases, each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.<\/div>\n
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A\u00a0<\/span>charge<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>is an accusation of criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. As in all criminal cases, each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.<\/div>\n
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Each\u00a0<\/span>count<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>is a separate and distinct offense charged in an indictment or information.<\/div>\n
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A\u00a0<\/span>guilty plea<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>is a defendant\u2019s admission to the court that he or she committed the offense charged and an agreement to waive the right to a trial.<\/div>\n
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A\u00a0<\/span>conviction<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>is a judgment based on a jury\u2019s verdict, judge\u2019s finding, or the defendant\u2019s admission that the defendant is guilty of the crime charged.<\/div>\n
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A\u00a0<\/span>sentence<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>is a judicial determination of the punishment to be imposed on an individual who has plead guilty or has been convicted by a jury or judge of a criminal offense.<\/div>\n