What cases have grand juries?
A grand jury is presented with evidence from the U.S. attorney, the prosecutor in federal criminal cases. The grand jury determines whether there is “probable cause” to believe the individual has committed a crime and should be put on trial.
Does Massachusetts use grand juries?
Cases in the Superior Court Begin With Indictments. Grand jury indictments in Massachusetts are required before a person can be accused of a crime in the Massachusetts Superior Court.
How long is grand jury duty in Massachusetts?
3 months
How long will I serve? Each grand jury is typically impaneled for 3 months, but in some cases, they may sit for longer periods of time. However, the amount of time the grand juror must actually be at the courthouse varies greatly between judicial districts.
How do they select grand jurors?
Criminal grand juries in California are selected at random from the list of people eligible to serve on a “regular” jury (i.e., a “petit jury”) in a criminal or civil trial. Grand jurors should represent a cross-section of the population that is eligible to serve on a jury at a jury trial.
What does it mean when a grand jury indicts you?
When a person is indicted, they are given formal notice that it is believed that they committed a crime. The grand jury listens to the prosecutor and witnesses, and then votes in secret on whether they believe that enough evidence exists to charge the person with a crime.
How do you get out of grand jury duty in Massachusetts?
You will also have an opportunity to speak to a judge before being impaneled on a grand jury. If you have a hardship that prevents you from serving, you can explain it to the judge and ask to be excused.
How are grand jurors selected for a criminal case?
Grand jurors consider evidence presented by the prosecutor and decide if it’s sufficient to bring a criminal charge. Like trial jurors, grand jurors are randomly selected to help ensure that the grand jury is an accurate representation of the population of the entire judicial district. How long will I serve?
What happens after the grand jury is impanelled?
After the grand jurors have been impanelled they shall retire and elect one of their number as foreperson.
How is compensation determined for jury service in Massachusetts?
Your Massachusetts employer is required by law to compensate you for your first 3 days of jury service, from the 4th day on, your compensation will be determined by the court based upon information provided in your Confidential Financial Questionnaire.
How long does it take to serve on a grand jury?
How long will I serve? Each grand jury is typically impaneled for 3 months, but in some cases, they may sit for longer periods of time. However, the amount of time the grand juror must actually be at the courthouse varies greatly between judicial districts.