Ohio Felony Charges: The Role of the Grand Jury
Understanding the Grand Jury Process
In the state of Ohio, the decision to file a felony charge against an individual is determined through a grand jury process. The term "jury" may suggest a trial setting, but a grand jury operates quite differently.A grand jury is a group of nine randomly selected, registered voters from the local community. They are summoned to serve in the same manner as trial juries, but their role is distinct. Unlike trial jurors, grand jurors are not responsible for determining the guilt or innocence of the accused.
The grand jury's primary function is to determine whether there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed and that the accused person should be put on trial. They review evidence, transcripts, and statements presented by the prosecutor and may question witnesses.
If the grand jury finds sufficient evidence of wrongdoing, it issues an indictment, which formally charges the accused with a felony. If the evidence is insufficient, the grand jury may dismiss the case by issuing a "no bill."
Grand Jury Statutes and Procedures
The operation of grand juries in Ohio is governed by several statutes, including:- Section 2939.02: Grand jury selection and composition
- Section 2939.03: Grand juror drawing, notification, and exemptions
- Section 2939.031: Additional or alternate grand jurors
These statutes outline the criteria for selecting grand jurors, the process for summoning them, and the procedures they follow during their deliberations.
Grand juries serve an essential role in the Ohio criminal justice system, ensuring that individuals are not charged with felonies without a thorough and impartial review of the evidence.
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