The Citizens of Ohio Play a Pivotal Role in Criminal Justice
Through service on a grand jury, everyday people instill confidence across our society that felony criminal cases are independently considered, thoroughly scrutinized, and reviewed by the citizenry before moving toward trial.
Grand Jury (9 Jurors + 6 Alternates)
Convened by county courts of common pleas. Selected from voter and licensed driver rolls. They determine whether probable cause warrants charging someone with a felony.
Petit Jury (12-Person Trial Jury)
A grand jury is not the same as a trial jury. Petit juries hear court evidence at trial to determine the defendant's guilt or innocence beyond a reasonable doubt.
How the Grand Jury Process Works
Presentation of Evidence & Testimony
County prosecuting attorneys, representing the State of Ohio, present evidence and witness testimony to the grand jury. Witnesses typically include police officers, victims, and relevant individuals. Grand juries focus exclusively on felonies (crimes punishable by prison); misdemeanors are handled solely by prosecutors.
Private Deliberation & Indictment Decisions
Once testimony concludes, everyone except the nine grand jurors must leave the chamber. The foreperson leads discussion, ensuring every member is heard before a vote is taken.
The Permanent Pledge of Secrecy
Grand jurors take an oath of strict, permanent confidentiality applying to deliberations, votes, witness names, and questions asked. This serves two vital constitutional purposes:
- Protects Reputations: Unfounded accusations remain undisclosed, preserving innocent reputations.
- Prevents Flight: Suspects unaware of an active inquiry cannot flee the jurisdiction before formal charges are filed.
Investigative Authority & Limits
Grand juries can investigate any crime committed within their county. Inquiries must be crime-related and guided by conscientious motives. Jurors can require the clerk of court to issue subpoenas for testimony and evidence, but jurors are not independent detectives authorized to run private investigations.