Federal Grand Jury Investigation Lawyer
Federal Grand Jury Investigation Lawyer
What is a Federal Grand Jury?
A grand jury is a group of citizens summoned by a federal court to meet and review the evidence presented to them by federal prosecuting attorneys and law enforcement officers. The grand jury has the power to return indictments—formal documents charging federal crimes—after reviewing evidence and voting on whether there is sufficient evidence that those crimes have been committed. The grand jury must have at least 16 and not more than 23 members, who usually meet at regular intervals during a term designated by the Court.
How do I find out whether someone has testified against or about me in grand jury?
Usually, it is not possible to find out until trial. Grand Juries are designed to operate in secret, and the applicable federal rules strictly forbid grand jurors and the government attorneys who appear in front of them from disclosing “matters occurring before the grand jury.” This includes the names/identities of the witnesses who testify, the information the witness provides, and the documents and records about which they testify. The witness may choose to disclose that he or she has testified, as there is nothing in the rules prohibiting that. But most witnesses will want to keep their participation secret. It is not uncommon for prosecuting attorneys to keep the identities (and testimony) of grand jury witnesses secret for the duration of a criminal case and only to disclose witness information and testimony transcripts on the eve of trial.
What does a grand jury need to determine or do to indict me?
A grand jury collectively must find there is “probable cause” to believe that one or more crimes have been committed to return an indictment against a person or persons. Of the 16 members required to be present for the grand jury to act, at least 12 must vote for a “true bill,” meaning in favor of indictment. The grand jury members may also request more information from the government in the form of document subpoenas or additional witnesses before making a decision on whether or not to indict.
Other Practice Specialties
If I am under investigation by a grand jury, does that mean I will be indicted or charged with a federal crime?
Not necessarily. Sometimes grand jury investigations conclude without anyone being indicted. However, the “probable cause” standard is very low, so most grand jury investigations result in the indictment of one or more individuals.
Do I have a right to the representation of an attorney in the grand jury?
No, someone under investigation by a grand jury—often called a “target” of the investigation – does not have the right to have an attorney present in the grand jury proceedings. Typically, the only attorney present during grand jury proceedings is a prosecutor. However, if you learn you are the target of a grand jury investigation, the guidance of an experienced federal criminal defense attorney can be critical to understanding the process and your rights. Even though the attorney may not be able to sit in on official grand jury proceedings, he/she can sometimes make a significant difference in the outcome of the process.
Contact Our Team
The attorneys at SBBL Law are experienced, knowledgeable, and dedicated to handling Federal Grand Jury Investigations. Call us for a free case evaluation and consultation when you face serious allegations.
Where We Practice
Our criminal lawyers represent clients in nationwide federal criminal cases and Title IX investigations, and we regularly appear in courts throughout Michigan:
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan (federal court in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Marquette)
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan (federal court in Detroit, Ann Arbor, Bay City, Flint, Port Huron)
- Kent County (Greater Grand Rapids, Walker, Wyoming, Kentwood, Grandville)
- Newaygo County (White Cloud)
- Ottawa County (Hudsonville, Holland, Grand Haven)
- Allegan County
- Barry County (Hastings)
- Muskegon County
- Oceana County (Hart)
- Mecosta County (Big Rapids)
- Ionia County
- Montcalm County (Stanton)
- Clinton County (St. Johns)
- Gratiot County (Ithaca)
- Eaton County (Charlotte)
- Ingham County (Lansing, East Lansing, Mason)
- Jackson County
- Calhoun County (Battle Creek)
- Kalamazoo County
- Van Buren County (Paw Paw, South Haven)
- Mason County (Ludington)
- Lake County (Baldwin)
- Osceola County
- Berrien County (St. Joseph)
- Washtenaw County (Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor)
- and elsewhere throughout Michigan.
If you or someone you know is looking for a criminal defense attorney, call now for a free consultation (616) 458-5500 or (231) 924-8700 or connect with us online.
Kalamazoo
TYPES OF CASES
- White Collar Crimes
- Tax Crimes
- Other Financial Crimes
- Environmental Crimes
Allegan
TYPES OF CASES
- Domestic Violence
- Violent Felonies
- Firearms Offenses
- Major Cases
- Murder-for-Hire
Barry
TYPES OF CASES
- White Collar Crimes
- Tax Crimes
- Other Financial Crimes
- Environmental Crimes
Lona
TYPES OF CASES
- Domestic Violence
- Violent Felonies
- Firearms Offenses
- Major Cases
- Murder-for-Hire
Kent
TYPES OF CASES
- White Collar Crimes
- Tax Crimes
- Other Financial Crimes
- Environmental Crimes
Ottawa
TYPES OF CASES
- Domestic Violence
- Violent Felonies
- Firearms Offenses
- Major Cases
- Murder-for-Hire
Muskegon
TYPES OF CASES
- White Collar Crimes
- Tax Crimes
- Other Financial Crimes
- Environmental Crimes
Mecosta
TYPES OF CASES
- Domestic Violence
- Violent Felonies
- Firearms Offenses
- Major Cases
- Murder-for-Hire
Montcalm
TYPES OF CASES
- White Collar Crimes
- Tax Crimes
- Other Financial Crimes
- Environmental Crimes
Newaygo
TYPES OF CASES
- White Collar Crimes
- Tax Crimes
- Other Financial Crimes
- Environmental Crimes
Lake
TYPES OF CASES
- Domestic Violence
- Violent Felonies
- Firearms Offenses
- Major Cases
- Murder-for-Hire
Mason
TYPES OF CASES
- White Collar Crimes
- Tax Crimes
- Other Financial Crimes
- Environmental Crimes
Leelanau
TYPES OF CASES
- White Collar Crimes
- Tax Crimes
- Other Financial Crimes
- Environmental Crimes
Benzie
Grand Traverse
Manistee
Kalkask
Crawford
Oscoda
Alcona
Oceana
TYPES OF CASES
- White Collar Crimes
- Tax Crimes
- Other Financial Crimes
- Environmental Crimes
Wexford
Missaukee
Roscommon
Ogemaw
Iosco
Osceola
Clare
Isabella
Ionia
Clinton
Eaton
Ingham
Van Buren
Calhoun
Jackson
Berrien
Cass
St. Joseph
Branch
Gladwin
Arenac
Midland
Bay
Huron
Gratiot
Saginaw
Tuscola
Sanilac
Shiawassee
Genesee
Lapeer
St. Clair
Livingston
Oakland
Macomb
Hillsdale
Washtenaw
Wayne
Lenawee
Monroe
Antrim
Otsego
Montmorency
Alpena
Presque Isle
Charlevoix
Emmet
Cheboygan
Our Locations
616-458-5500
Grand Rapids
60 MONROE CENTER ST NW #500
GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49503
Fremont
28 W. MAIN STREET
FREMONT, MI 49412
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