Don’t Participate in 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 criminal cases.
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. Call us anytime at 801-651-1512 or contact us online to discuss your case.
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 proceeding. 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 a crime.
While you can refuse to participate, there are 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.
Contact an Experienced Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer
To set up a free consultation with one of our attorneys, call us anytime at 801-651-1512 or contact us online. We understand that your case is important and often meet with our clients on weekends and evenings for their convenience.
