What is the difference between an “indictment” and an “information”?
An indictment is the primary pleading instrument on the part of the State in a felony criminal action. In misdemeanor cases, an information is used instead of an indictment as the primary pleading instrument on behalf of the State. Before a felony prosecution may proceed, 3/4 of the members of a grand jury must vote in favor of indicting the criminal defendant. On the other hand, in misdemeanor cases, no indictment by a grand jury is necessary.
