subject: Understanding The Grand Jury Process [print this page] There are three ways you can be charged with a crime. If any of the ways lead to charges in your case then its important to contact one of the criminal lawyers in Monrovia, CA immediately. The sooner an attorney is involved in a case, the better because an attorney can advise you every step of the way.
An Information
The first method of bringing criminal charges is an information. An information is a legal document that the prosecutor files with the court. The document will claim you committed a crime. Often this kind of filing is the result of someone making a criminal complaint, and early research gives the prosecutor cause to believe the complaint is valid.
The Grand Jury
The type of criminal charge most people have heard of because of television and the movies is an indictment. An indictment is brought by a grand jury. The grand jury is really just a group of citizens who look at the evidence collected so far, and requests new evidence as necessary. After some point the grand jury will decide whether there is enough evidence to charge a person. The grand jury proceedings are held behind closed doors and all discussion is kept secret. The grand jury system is used by the entire federal court system, but only approximately half of the states do so in all felony cases.
In those states that dont require a grand jury, it is up to the prosecutor to decide if a grand jury should be called. The grand jury does look at evidence the prosecutor has presented, but it is not the job of the grand jury to determine guilt or innocence. They grand jury members only decide if there is enough evidence to send the case to court. This helps prevent cases going to court that have a significant lack of evidence.
The criminal lawyers in Monrovia, CA will seldom participate in grand jury proceedings. If you even suspect that a grand jury is considering a criminal case involving you, its important to retain an attorney. The attorney can advise you on the next steps. The attorney can also be collecting appropriate evidence if it is believed you will be indicted.
A grand jury indictment is a serious matter, but its important to remember that it does not mean you will be convicted. Many indicted people are found to be not guilty by a jury. Its the secrecy of the grand jury that makes the process so fearful for many. The grand jury has broad powers and can request to look at any evidence, documents and anything else that will help its members make a decision.
A Citation
The third type of criminal charge is a citation which can be issued by a police officer for a misdemeanor or minor crime. This type of charge is usually handled by paying a fine and doesnt require an attorney.
You need a quality and experienced attorney to represent you. The criminal attorneys in Monrovia, CA can defend you in court and insure that you dont do anything that harms your case
