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How Testifying in Front of a Grand Jury Regarding a White-Collar Crime Case Can Be Dangerous

What is a Grand Jury?

Charging decisions are sometimes made by the conclusion and findings of a grand jury. A grand jury is a group of people that is called by the court to hear evidence regarding a specific investigation to help determine if charges should be brought. In the federal criminal system, a grand jury is comprised of 16-23 people. This group will assemble as a grand jury for a period of time that can be as long as one year. Grand jury proceedings are private and are closed to the public. Usually a federal prosecutor is the only attorney in the room presenting evidence to the grand jury relating to the investigation of a given case. If a grand jury is examining a case involving an organization, then there is a good chance that federal white-collar crime charges could be brought at the conclusion of the proceeding. The criminal charges can include you if you are not careful. If you are facing the potential of testifying in front of a grand jury, then it is important to speak to an experienced federal criminal defense attorney to best understand your options.

Why Could Testifying in Front of a Grand Jury Be Dangerous?

If you are required to testify in front of a grand jury, it is important to know that a grand jury has the power to subpoena both testimony and documents related to a given investigation. A grand jury can require you to appear as the custodian of record for an organization, which will result in you answering questions about specific documents related to the case. It is important to understand the scope of the questions asked to you by the prosecutor as these questions are often designed to implicate you or other people in your organization. You may be called multiple times to testify in front of a grand jury, and any inconsistencies in your testimony can be dangerous and can possibly lead to criminal charges. Grand juries ultimately serve a function that is usually reserved for a prosecutor; they have the power to authorize criminal charges and can determine how serious the charges should be. Even though your attorney cannot be in the grand jury room while you testify, he or she can be available outside in the hallway to answer your questions. You are allowed to consult with your attorney before you answer each and every question in the grand jury proceeding, and the judge must give you reasonable time to speak with your attorney before you make any statements. If you are facing answering a grand jury subpoena, then call us at Snow Legal today so we can help.

Call Today for a Consultation with Snow Legal

If you are facing state or federal criminal charges, it is important to speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. The attorneys at Snow Legal are proud to offer a initial consultation to anyone facing the potential of criminal charges. Let our experience help guide you towards taking the strongest possible approach in your defense. Call us today at (704) 358-0026 or contact us online.