Part IV · Pretrial Procedures

Rule 13.1. Definitions and Construction

Amended January 1, 2025 (current)

(a) General Definition An “indictment” or “information” is a plain, concise statement of the facts sufficiently definite to inform the defendant of a charged offense.

(b) Indictment Defined An “indictment” is a written statement charging the defendant with the commission of a public offense, endorsed as a “true bill,” signed by a grand jury foreperson, and presented to the court by a grand jury.

(c) Information Defined An “information” is a written statement charging the defendant with the commission of a public offense, signed and presented to the court by the State.

(d) Charging the Offense Each count of an indictment or information must state the official or customary citation of the statute, rule, regulation or other provision of law the defendant allegedly violated.

(e) Necessarily Included Offenses An offense specified in an indictment, information, or complaint is a charge of that offense and all necessarily included offenses.