GRAND JURY INFORMATION
As a grand juror, you have two major responsibilities: To protect innocent persons from needless accusations and to assure an indictment is returned against an accused who you find is probably guilty of the commission of a crime.
Most of your work concerns hearing witnesses and determining sufficient evidence. The prosecuting attorney states and explains the charge to you and advises which witnesses will be presented. Witnesses appear voluntarily, or at the request of the prosecuting attorney, or the Grand Jury, or upon subpoena from the Grand Jury, or the Court. The Grand Jury may call additional witnesses.
The Grand Jury does not try the case, but determines whether there is sufficient evidence to justify a trial. The defendant is not called as a witness, nor are witnesses called to offer testimony of the defendant. If the defendant wants to testify, the Grand Jury has the option of permitting it. You cannot force the defendant to testify because of constitutional safeguards against self-incrimination.
HOW LONG YOU ARE REQUIRED TO SERVE
Grand jurors are required to serve for a four-month period, namely January through April; May through August; or September through December. The Grand Jury will probably meet one day twice a month for the four months it is in session. However, on occasion it may become necessary for the Grand Jury to hold an additional meeting. The Deputy Jury Commissioner will notify you if an additional meeting is required.
WHEN TO REPORT
A summons telling you the exact date and time to report for Grand Jury will be mailed to you. On this date, all Grand Jurors will be sworn in. A Grand Jury will be seated and begin hearing cases. The remaining Grand Jurors will be designated as alternate Grand Jurors and released for the day. The alternate Grand Jurors will be contacted when they need to report.
WHERE TO REPORT
The Miami County Common Pleas Court is located on the third floor in the Safety Building, 201 W. Main Street in Troy, Ohio. When exiting the elevator, turn right and be seated in one of the black chairs at the end of the hall. Court personnel will accompany you to the proper area.