Denton Criminal Lawyer

Grand Juries

The United States’ complex criminal justice system uses many mechanisms to function smoothly and to ensure the protection of defendants. One of these mechanisms is the grand jury. Grand juries serve a very specific purpose. When someone is charged with a crime, a grand jury tries to determine whether or not there is enough evidence to proceed to trial—not enough evidence to convict the individual.

To carry out its role, grand juries meet in secret so to avoid being unduly influenced by public pressure. In a grand jury trial, prosecuting attorneys attempt to convince the jury panel that a trial should take place, and the accused is present during a grand jury trial for questioning. The accused individual’s defense attorney, however, is not present. Aside from the jurors, the prosecuting attorney, and the accused, only a bailiff and stenographer can be present. In addition, any needed witnesses can be called in. When the grand jurors decide whether to allow prosecution, only they can be present.

There have been concerns about grand juries being unfair, especially because the defense attorney cannot be present, and a legally inexperienced individual has, in effect, to take on a trained prosecutorial lawyer. Moreover, statistics show that the vast majority of grand jury trials side with the prosecutor. To preserve some fairness, though, grand juries do follow guidelines and regulations. The accused can have the help of a defense lawyer outside of the grand jury room. Also, the grand jury has to inform the accused of her or his rights.

Speak with a Denton Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you have been charged with a crime, you may have to face a grand jury. Such an experience can be challenging and frightening. In addition, it is likely that if you do face a grand jury you will have to go to trial. In both situations, a criminal defense lawyer can help immensely. To get the help that you need, contact the Denton criminal defense lawyers of Alexander & Associates by calling 972-420-6560.