Grand Jury Selection Ny

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Grand Jury Proceedings in New York City: An Overview

Limited Preliminary Hearings

In New York City, the vast majority of criminal cases bypass preliminary hearings. Instead, prosecutors present evidence directly to a grand jury without a prior hearing. This departure from the traditional process aims to expedite proceedings and reduce the burden on the court system.

Grand Jury Options

Three Primary Options

According to the New York handbook, a grand jury typically has three primary options:

• Indictment: The grand jury finds sufficient evidence to charge the defendant with a crime.
• Dismissal: The grand jury determines that there is insufficient evidence to support charges against the defendant.
• Referral: The grand jury directs the prosecutor to present the case to a different grand jury or a lower court for further investigation.

Exceptional Cases

In some exceptional cases, a preliminary hearing may be held before a grand jury proceeding. This is typically done when the case involves complex or sensitive issues.

Grand Jury Service

Term Length

Grand jurors in New York State serve for a term of four weeks.

Civil Case Adoptions

Upon consent of the parties, a court trying a civil case heard by a jury may adopt the grand jury procedure.

Conclusion

The grand jury is an integral part of the criminal justice system in New York City. By bypassing preliminary hearings in most cases and providing three primary options for decision-making, the grand jury helps streamline the process and ensure that charges are brought forward only when there is sufficient evidence to support them.

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