Which type of crime can only be considered by a Grand Jury before indictment?

A Grand Jury is specifically convened to consider evidence and determine whether there is enough justification to formally charge someone with a crime through an indictment. This process pertains primarily to felonies, which are serious offenses that can result in significant penalties, including imprisonment for more than one year, fines, or both.

The significance of the Grand Jury arises because it serves as a protective layer against unfounded or frivolous charges, ensuring that there is sufficient evidence before a person is put on trial for a felony. Misdemeanors, infractions, and violations, on the other hand, typically do not require Grand Jury proceedings. These lesser offenses often allow for more streamlined processes involving direct information filed by prosecutors without the need for a Grand Jury to review the evidence first. Thus, the correct understanding is that the Grand Jury's role is specific to felonies, affirming why this choice is the most appropriate.