Grand Jury Investigations

The United States Attorneys Offices, throughout the country, have a powerful investigation tool at their disposal - a Grand Jury.  Unlike a trial jury (called a petit jury), a Grand Jury is a body of citizens who hear evidence and determine if a crime has been committed.  If they determine a crime has been committed, they issue an Indictment.  But, Grand Juries are also used to gather evidence. 

If you are the subject of an investigation, you are called a target.  If this is your situation, you absolutely need a Federal Criminal Defense Attorney to protect your rights.  It is crucial not to talk to anyone from the government without first getting a Federal Criminal Defense Attorney.

But what if you are not the actual target?  In these situations it is advisable to have an attorney.  First, many people have the potential for criminal liability if the government want to charge them.  In these situations, you need a Federal Criminal Defense Attorney to talk to the government and ensure that you are not going to be charged, provided you cooperate with the investigation.  It is also just intimidating to have the government want to talk to you or put you before a Grand Jury to answer questions and you will want an experienced Federal Criminal Defense Attorney to help you navigate the process.

Remember, if you are called to testify before a Grand Jury in Federal Court, those proceedings are not public and you cannot talk about what you were asked, testified about, or anything else that happened in the Grand Jury room.  Say nothing at all about what happened.  If you do say something, you very well may be charged with a crime.

Call Miller Leonard, PC if you are facing a Grand Jury investigation or have been contacted to testify before a Federal Grand Jury.