A “Grand Jury” is a legal body consisting of a group of citizens who are selected to review and investigate potential criminal charges brought by the government against individuals or entities. The purpose of a grand jury is to determine whether there is enough evidence to proceed with a criminal trial. This comprehensive explanation explores the concept of a grand jury, its functions, procedures, and its role in the criminal justice system.
Verdelski Miller is a trusted criminal defense lawyer in Evansville, Indiana with over three decades of experience. If you have been charged with a crime in Evansville or surrounding areas, call our office today at 812-425-9170!
Functions of a Grand Jury
The primary functions of a grand jury include:
a. Determining Probable Cause: The grand jury reviews evidence presented by prosecutors to determine if there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed and that a specific individual or entity is responsible for it.
b. Issuing Indictments: If the grand jury finds sufficient evidence, it issues an indictment, which is a formal accusation that initiates a criminal trial against the accused.
c. Investigating Allegations: Grand juries have the authority to conduct investigations, summon witnesses, and request documents to gather evidence related to criminal allegations.
Composition and Proceedings
Grand juries are typically composed of a group of citizens randomly selected from the community, similar to a regular jury. The proceedings of a grand jury are different from those of a trial jury in several ways.
a. Secrecy: Grand jury proceedings are conducted in secret, and the identities of grand jurors are usually not disclosed to the public. This secrecy is intended to protect witnesses and ensure the integrity of the investigation.
b. Prosecutor’s Role: A prosecutor presents evidence and witnesses to the grand jury, guiding them through the investigation. The accused individual or entity does not have the right to present their defense during grand jury proceedings.
c. No Cross-Examination: Unlike a trial, there is no cross-examination of witnesses during grand jury proceedings, and the rules of evidence are less strict.
d. Majority Vote: In most cases, a majority vote of the grand jurors is required to issue an indictment.
Role in the Criminal Justice System
Grand juries play a crucial role in the criminal justice system for several reasons.
a. Screening Cases: Grand juries act as a screening mechanism to determine if there is enough evidence to warrant a trial. This helps prevent individuals from being subjected to lengthy and costly trials without sufficient cause.
b. Protecting the Accused: Grand juries provide a level of protection for the accused by ensuring that there is a legal basis for bringing charges.
c. Investigative Power: Grand juries have the authority to investigate complex criminal cases and gather evidence, making them a valuable tool for prosecutors.
Indictment and Subsequent Proceedings
If a grand jury issues an indictment, the accused individual or entity will proceed to trial. The indictment outlines the charges and forms the basis for the criminal case. During the trial, the prosecution and defense present their cases, witnesses are cross-examined, and a trial jury (different from a grand jury) determines the verdict.
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A Grand Jury is a legal body comprised of citizens responsible for reviewing and investigating potential criminal charges. Its primary functions include determining probable cause, issuing indictments, and conducting investigations. Grand juries play a vital role in the criminal justice system by safeguarding individuals from unfounded charges, protecting their rights, and assisting prosecutors in complex cases. The role of grand juries is to ensure that criminal cases proceed to trial with sufficient evidence and merit.
Verdelski Miller is a trusted defense lawyer in Evansville, Indiana with over three decades of experience. If you have been charged with a crime in Evansville or surrounding areas, call our office today at 812-425-9170!
