WHAT ARE YOUR RIGHTS?
Work within a specific county Usually have no input on charges Usually deal with investigations Do have input on initial charges
Established by state law
Know Your Rights Your attorney can’t be there, either No right to be present Very few exercise this right You can request to testify This allows you to confer with your attorney You can take a break
Hear Testimony (usually of an officer) VOTE YES (must be unanimous) NO Indictment Returned No Bill
Secret & Confidential
Only determine probable cause
Each week judge reviews casesIndictments to Clerk’s OfficeDefendants arrested
Speeding Class C Misdemeanors Assault Murder All Felonies
Appellate Courts State Federal Criminal Court Plea or Trial Reasonable Doubt Standard Grand Jury Determines Probable Cause Indictment or No Bill General Sessions Court Misdemeanors Plea, Dismissal or Preliminary Hearing Arrest Probable Cause
FEDERAL Arrest cases are rareLong investigations are normProsecutor chooses charges
STATE Most are arrest casesOfficer makes charging decisionProsecutor reviews charges