If you are called to testify before a grand jury, there are a few things that you need to know. The first is that you should never go before the jury and prosecution without talking to your attorney first. Second, you should know that you’ll be questioned without your attorney present, which is a requirement of Grand Jury Proceedings. That means that you won’t have someone there to tell you not to answer a question or to encourage you to speak up.
If that sounds unfair, you’re not the only one who thinks so. That’s why it may be a better idea to look into submitting a Grand Jury Packet. A Grand Jury Packet has information about your case, so that the jury still gets to know the case but you aren’t at risk of saying or doing something that leads to an indictment.
Some of the items that might be included in the packet are:
- Documents
- Personal recommendations
- Polygraph evidence
- Statements from the accused
- Sworn statements
- Witness statements
It’s beneficial to submit this packet to the court instead of testifying in person because there can be no cross-examination of the statements you make. Instead, the jury gets what they need in the informational packet, and you protect your rights without facing cross-examination.
The goal of any defense team during the grand jury investigation is to have the jury decide to reduce the charges or get a no bill. Our website has more on what you should know about getting the charges against you reduced or dropped; the right support can make a difference as you decide on how to defend yourself.