Conroe Grand Jury Presentations Lawyers

Experienced Attorneys in Montgomery County

Grand juries are an important part of the Texas criminal justice system, and understanding their function is critical for anyone who may potentially face criminal charges. In cases involving felony offenses, a grand jury will be responsible for determining whether there is sufficient evidence to pursue charges against someone who has been accused of a crime. Grand jury proceedings are held in secret, and a defendant may be unsure about the role a grand jury may play in their cases or the steps they can take to protect their rights. Representation by an experienced criminal defense attorney can be crucial in these situations, and a lawyer can help determine the best approach to take when dealing with a grand jury.

At Pullan & Young, our attorneys are former prosecutors, which gives us a comprehensive understanding of how grand jury proceedings are conducted and the issues that are addressed in these cases. We can provide guidance on how to approach this process, and we will work to maximize a defendant's chances of obtaining a favorable outcome in their criminal case. We help our clients navigate the complex procedural rules related to grand juries, provide the right information when requested, and address any issues that may arise as they defend against criminal charges.

Understanding Grand Jury Proceedings

A case considered by a grand jury is handled differently than a criminal trial. Rather than determining whether a person is guilty or innocent, a grand jury will consider whether an indictment should be issued to formally charge a person with a crime. The grand jury may review information about a case provided by a prosecutor and statements made by witnesses, and it may also request relevant documents. If the grand jury determines that there is probable cause to believe that a person may have committed the offense in question, it may issue an indictment.

During grand jury proceedings, the only people who may be present are the jurors, the prosecutor, witnesses, and court officials and personnel such as a bailiff and stenographers or interpreters. In some cases, the defendant may be called as a witness, or the defendant may be able to provide a written statement about the case that may be considered by the grand jury.

After reviewing all relevant information, the grand jury will vote on whether to issue an indictment. If at least nine of the 12 grand jurors vote for an indictment, the grand jury will issue a "true bill," and formal criminal charges will be pursued. However, if there are not enough votes for an indictment, the grand jury will issue a "no bill," and the case will be dismissed.

How an Attorney Can Help During Grand Jury Proceedings

With the help of an experienced lawyer, a defendant can make sure they provide the correct information to a grand jury. Our attorneys can assist in preparing a written statement, and we can also provide other relevant evidence, such as medical or employment records that may indicate that a person did not commit the offense in question. We may also be able to provide statements from members of the community attesting to a defendant's character, which may influence the grand jury's decisions.

If the grand jury requests any records or other information, we can help prepare these documents and ensure that they are submitted correctly, and we can also help determine whether certain documents may be protected by attorney-client privilege or the Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination. In cases where a defendant will be testifying before a grand jury, we can provide advice on how to answer questions without making any statements that could be self-incriminating.

Contact Our Conroe Grand Jury Defense Lawyers

If you have been accused of a felony offense, grand jury proceedings can be a very important part of your case. Presentations to a grand jury may affect whether you are indicted, and evidence and testimony considered by a grand jury could play a role in a criminal trial. At Pullan & Young, we can work to help avoid an indictment, but if this will not be possible, we can make sure you take the correct steps to protect your rights and defend yourself during your case. To get legal help with your case and ensure that you have quality representation, contact us at 936-647-1540 and schedule a free, confidential consultation.