Most people know of juries from trials. A grand jury is different.
The grand jury is a group chosen used to investigate whether criminal charges should be brought against suspects. Though a representative of the state is allowed in the grand jury room, a representative of the suspect is not.
That said, an experience criminal defense attorney can be of immense help before the grand jury looks at evidence:
- They can determine whether a suspect or witness should testify in front of the grand jury. Sometimes it makes sense, sometimes it does not, sometimes it is hard to tell, and it is an important judgment call.
- Though they cannot attend the grand jury, criminal defense attorneys can sometimes offer the grand jury a packet of information that may help get a case “no billed,” where a matter does not get charged.
If the only information the grand jury has during their deliberations comes from the accuser, prosecution and police, they are more likely to acquit. An experienced criminal defense attorney can often give jurors a fuller picture of a situation that results in the grand jury no billing a case.
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