Am I being formally charged by a grand jury, or did the prosecutor file the case another way? That is the difference between an indictment and an information. Both are formal charging documents in a criminal case, but they come from different sources. An indictment is issued by a grand jury after it hears evidence and decides there is probable cause to charge someone with a crime. An information is filed by a prosecutor, usually after a judge finds probable cause at a preliminary stage or the defendant waives that step. Either one can start a serious criminal case and tell the court what offense is being alleged.

That distinction matters because it affects how a case gets moving, what review happens early, and what rights or challenges may be available. If the charge came by information, the defense may focus closely on whether the prosecutor followed the required procedure. If it came by indictment, the questions may center more on the wording of the charge and later motions to dismiss or suppress evidence.

In Iowa, indictable offenses may be prosecuted by indictment or trial information under Iowa Rule of Criminal Procedure 2.5 (2024). A charging document is not a conviction, but it sets the lane the case will follow, shapes plea bargain talks, and can affect any related civil injury claim arising from the same event.