{"id":352280,"date":"2023-09-21T15:37:26","date_gmt":"2023-09-21T20:37:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/how-does-a-grand-jury-work.html"},"modified":"2023-09-21T15:37:26","modified_gmt":"2023-09-21T20:37:26","slug":"how-does-a-grand-jury-work","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/how-does-a-grand-jury-work.html","title":{"rendered":"How Does a Grand Jury Work?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How Does a Grand Jury Work?<\/h1>\n
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\n By Sarah Williams, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Unlike a grand jury, a preliminary hearing is usually open to the public. It involves lawyers on both sides and a judge. The prosecution must show sufficient evidence to proceed to trial, including the introduction of evidence or witness testimony (e.g., from the investigating law enforcement or the police officer whose sworn affidavit was the basis for a search warrant).<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The grand jury plays an important role in the criminal process \u2014 but not one that involves a finding of guilt or punishment of a party. Instead, after the presentation of the prosecution’s case, the grand jury will decide whether to bring an indictment<\/a> against a potential defendant. Indictments bring formal charges for felony cases. They’re followed by an arraignment<\/a> for the criminal charges<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

This article provides an overview of the following:<\/p>\r\n