Legal question about Grand Jury hearings

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Posted by Message jbgleason Legal question about Grand Jury hearings Hell no. Totally closed. Witnesses can't even have an attorney with them in there. In fact, Grand Jury testimony is protected and you can be prosecuted for discussing it.

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I think that's right with one twist. I think a witness who testifies can say anything he wants about what he told the Grand Jury.

Thanks...
I'm assuming this means the family of the victim won't be allowed in unless called to testify?

Wasn't trying to cut the cheese too fine on you, brother. Bottom line is he ain't getting in.

I mention it only because I had a guy appear before GJ. I'm not on the criminal side, and that's how it was explained to me by someone who was.

It's all good. Sorry for victim and family, though.

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I think that's right with one twist. I think a witness who testifies can say anything he wants about what he told the Grand Jury.

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Correct (at least for the feds), the one and only person who can discuss grand jury testimony is the witness - but that's a bad idea unless you want to invite further scrutiny.

There's also a second small twist (at least for a federal grand jury) - you can't have your lawyer in the room with you but you can have him right outside and have the right to consult with him at any time.

Now, having said all that every state probably has their own twists and turns. If you've been subpoenaed to a grand jury and there is any chance at all you might have some exposure (meaning you aren't simply the custodian of records for something or an eyewitness to a crime), you need to be consulting with a criminal defense attorney.

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I'm assuming this means the family of the victim won't be allowed in unless called to testify?

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There will absolutely be no gallery of any sort - family of the victim or not - in the grand jury room.