Grand juries are used by the prosecutor’s office to investigate possible crimes in either the public or private sector. Florida grand juries have the power to subpoena witnesses and obtain their testimony. A person who has been subpoenaed could merely be a witness or could be the subject of the investigation who is later charged with a crime. The grand jury can also subpoena documents to be reviewed in the course of their investigation. The grand jury meets under the direction of the prosecutor, which means the prosecutor decides which witnesses to bring in front of the grand jury an what evidence to present to them. There is no judge present when the grand jury meets. Additionally, the person or representative of a corporation who is the subject of the grand jury investigation is neither permitted to be present to hear the evidence, nor to cross-examine witnesses or have an attorney present on their behalf to represent their interests. The proceedings in front of a grand jury remain confidential unless a judge directs otherwise. At the end of the grand jury’s term, the grand jury has the authority to determine that there is probable cause to believe a crime has been committed by a person or corporation and return an indictment as a result.

If you have been requested to appear before a grand jury or produce documents to a grand jury, it is important to seek the advice of attorneys who understand the grand jury process and its potentially significant ramifications. Being prepared to testify in front of a grand jury may be crucial to the ultimate outcome. If you have any questions regarding the grand jury process in Jacksonville, Northeast Florida or Southeast Georgia, please call us at 904-642-3332 or contact us online.