In a criminal case, what does an indictment trigger?

An indictment is a formal legal accusation that initiates the prosecution of a defendant in a criminal case. When a grand jury issues an indictment, it signifies that there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial. This action leads to the arraignment of the defendant, where they are formally charged and can enter a plea. The indictment thus marks the transition from investigation to prosecution, allowing the case to move forward through the legal system.

The other choices do not accurately represent the primary function of an indictment. It does not impose a sentence or jail time directly, as sentencing occurs after a conviction. An indictment does not automatically lead to an immediate trial; there are multiple legal procedures that follow, including pre-trial motions and hearings. Additionally, an indictment does not trigger a request for appeal, since appeals typically arise from final judgments rather than from the indictment itself.