What is the Grand Jury?

The Grand Jury is a group of citizens that meet to listen to the prosecutor present cases and request they be charged against the accused. The Grand Jury meets in secret and the accused is not present.* Usually the prosecutor calls just one witness, a police officer that worked on the case.  The officer will then tell the Grand Jury why the police want to charge the accused with a crime and the prosecutor will suggest the crimes the Grand Jury should charge.

*The accused does not have a right to attend the Grand Jury hearing.  However, the accused can request to attend.  If the Grand Jury grants this request, then the accused can tell his or her side of the story.  If the Grand Jury believes the accused, they can decide not to file charges.

If you or someone you love might be facing the Grand Jury, it is best to contact a lawyer with experience in criminal defense right away.  Burges McCowan is an experienced criminal defense attorney and he can help.