The Grand Jury
Grand jury proceedings are secret and are not open to the public. The grand jury is made up of sixteen to twenty-three people who listen to the evidence and decide whether there is enough evidence to put you on trial for a felony. If the grand jurors decide that there is enough evidence, they vote a true bill or an indictment.
You have the right to testify before the grand jury. Although your lawyer may go with you to the proceeding, he must remain silent during your testimony. Your lawyer may not address the grand jury or object to the prosecutor’s questions. If you want to speak with your lawyer before testifying, you may do so outside the grand jury room. Any conversation you have with your lawyer inside the grand jury room must be whispered and must not be heard by the grand jurors. If you decide to testify before the grand jury, you will probably be cross-examined by the prosecutor. Any questions the grand jurors may have for you will be asked by the prosecutor. You may also ask that the grand jury hear witnesses willing to testify for you, although you are not allowed to be present in the grand jury room while they testify.
