A Grand Jury witness is an individual who has been called to provide testimony before a Grand Jury. A Grand Jury is a type of jury, usually composed of between 16 and 23 citizens, that is convened to hear evidence presented by the prosecution in criminal cases. It is the Grand Jury’s responsibility to determine if there is enough evidence to potentially indict a person on criminal charges and have them stand trial.
The witnesses called to appear before the Grand Jury may be both individuals and organizations. Witnesses can include people who have knowledge of the crime that has been committed, people who may have been involved in some capacity with the crime, and even people who are not directly associated with the crime at all. Generally, witnesses are subpoenaed to give their testimony.
When called to appear as a Grand Jury witness, one must tell the truth in order to give a complete and accurate account. Those who are found to be providing false testimony can becharged with the crime of perjury. For this reason, witnesses usually consult their lawyer for advice concerning their testimony before appearing before the Grand Jury. It is also important to note that neither the defendant nor their attorney are allowed to be present at the Grand Jury hearing.
Conclusion
It is important to understand what a Grand Jury witness is and the role they play in a criminal case. By understanding the dynamics of this legal proceeding, individuals may be better prepared to serve if they are ever called upon as a witness before a Grand Jury.