Criminal procedure
Superseding Indictment
A superseding indictment is a new indictment that replaces an earlier one, usually to add charges, add defendants, or fix a problem in the original.
It requires a fresh grand jury vote and completely takes over from the earlier document, so the defendant is arraigned again on the new charges. Prosecutors file one when the investigation produces more evidence, when a cooperator names other people, or when a drafting error needs correcting.
For anyone following a case, a superseding indictment is a signal. It usually means the government has learned something new, and the count total is the fastest way to see whether the exposure grew.
Compare the two documents side by side. The counts that disappear, the defendants who are added, and the dates that shift show exactly what changed in the investigation, which is often more informative than any press release.
How it appears on a docket
SUPERSEDING INDICTMENT (22 counts) as to Daniel R. Vance (1) and Priya N. Shah (2), adding three counts of money laundering and one new defendant. Arraignment set for 3/4/2026.
Governing rule
Fed. R. Crim. P. 6, 7
Related terms
- Indictment — An indictment is the formal written accusation, voted by a grand jury, that charges someone with a federal crime and starts the prosecution.
- Arraignment — An arraignment is the hearing where the defendant is formally read the charges in the indictment and enters a plea of guilty or not guilty.
More on criminal procedure
See this term in a real case
Search federal court records and read the filings where superseding indictment actually shows up. New to federal dockets? Start with how to find a federal case.