How long can a person sit in jail with no indictment

As a rule you should be charged within 48 hours of your arrest.  Indictments are handed down by grand juries.  For state level charges, grand juries usually meet at the beginning of every month.   If you have been held on a high bond your attorney should be able to get your bond reduced.  Generally, if you have been held for a year or more without indictment your attorney should move for a dismissal of the charges as a violation of your right to a speedy trial.