Don't Participate in a Grand Jury Proceedings Without Preparation
If you've been served with a summons to appear before a grand jury, you have no time to waste. Consult with an experienced criminal defense lawyer immediately. You need to understand your options, the possible consequences of cooperating or refusing to participate, and if you choose to participate, steps you can take to protect yourself.
The defense attorneys at the Salt Lake City law office of Greg Smith and Associates have decades of experience defending clients at all stages of the criminal process. Several of our criminal defense attorneys have worked both sides of a criminal case, as former prosecutors or former police officers. Although you cannot have a lawyer with you in a grand jury proceeding, we can explain the grand jury process and your rights, and help you decide whether to participate.
A Search for the Truth or a Fishing Expedition?
A grand jury summons may provide little or no information about what the prosecutor is looking for when he or she brings a person into a grand jury proceedings. It's not unusual for the hearing to become a fishing expedition, with the prosecutor asking far-ranging questions that can result in the person testifying later being charged with some crime.
While it's possible to refuse to participate, there will be legal consequences for doing so. You can be thrown in jail. If you attend but refuse to speak, you could face contempt charges and spend time in jail. Of course, if you lie to a grand jury, you can face criminal charges.
Before you appear in front of a grand jury, talk to a lawyer so you understand exactly what a grand jury investigation is, what can and cannot be done, and how best to protect yourself.
If the grand jury proceeding results in criminal charges, our Salt Lake City defense lawyers are there to begin your defense.
You can count on our firm for a strong defense. We regularly advise other attorneys on critical issues in criminal law. Our legal insights and opinions have also been aired on "Good Morning America" and printed in national newspapers such as USA Today.
Contact an Experienced Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer
Contact an SLC assault attorney at Greg Smith and Associates for a free initial consultation. We protect the rights of those suspected and accused of crimes in Salt Lake City, Provo, Orem, Park City and surrounding communities in Utah.
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Clients with disabilities or impairments
Access to our office is available to clients and their family members at all times. Special equipment and communication devices are available upon request for our clients with visual, hearing, speech and physical impairment. In addition, arrangements can be made for verbal or sign language interpreters if needed to communicate between our attorneys and the client and family. Please notify our law office if any additional accommodations related to your disability or impairment are necessary to make your consultation more comfortable.
