Ohio's Grand Jury Process: A Guide to Understanding
Background Information
In Ohio, the grand jury process plays a crucial role in the criminal justice system. It serves as a mechanism to determine whether felony charges should be filed against an individual, based on the evaluation of evidence and testimony.
Grand Jury Composition
Grand juries in Ohio consist of 15 individuals who meet the qualifications specified in section 231317 of the Revised Code. These individuals are randomly selected from registered voters within the local community.
Exemptions and Notifications
Certain individuals may be exempt from grand jury service, including those who have already served within the past two years, have a physical or mental disability, are over 75 years old, or meet other specified criteria.
Grand jurors are notified of their selection and must attend the designated court hearing. Those who fail to appear without a valid excuse may face legal consequences.
Probable Cause Evaluation
The primary function of a grand jury is to evaluate evidence and testimony to determine if there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed and that the accused individual should face charges.
The grand jury process is not adversarial, meaning that the accused individual is not present and does not have legal representation. The focus is solely on determining whether there is sufficient evidence to support a criminal charge.
Grand Jury Decisions
After considering all the evidence, the grand jury votes to either charge the individual with a felony or dismiss the case. If a majority of the grand jurors vote to indict, the accused individual will be formally charged with the crime.
It's important to note that the grand jury's decision is based solely on probable cause, and is not a determination of guilt or innocence. Further proceedings, such as a trial, will determine the ultimate outcome of the case.
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