Grand Jury Investigations

A grand jury subpoena is often the start of a federal criminal investigation; but whether you are the target of that investigation or a subject or witness caught up in the investigation can be difficult to decipher, as is what the investigation is focused on. Whether you receive a grand jury subpoena or your name of that of your business is included in a subpoena to someone else, the early stages of a grand jury investigation is the best time for your lawyer to determine the facts, to decipher the allegations, to navigate the grand jury process. Our attorneys have the experience and knowledge to assess the investigation, explain to you what it means and what your options are, to deal with prosecutors and agents and to protect your rights.

Grand Jury investigations can last months and can involve multiple Grand Jury panels. At the conclusion of an investigation when the government decides to seek an Indictment, the government must present a case for indictment to the Grand Jury which is voted on by the Grand Jury panel. Grand Juries also approve Grand Jury subpoenas as part of a Grand Jury investigation. Grand Jury subpoenas can require both a witness appearance to answer questions and the production of documents from a person or corporation. A witness subpoenaed to testify in front of a Grand Jury has a number of rights, including the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. However, although a witness may go to a Grand Jury proceeding with an attorney, that attorney is not permitted inside the Grand Jury room during testimony, but may wait outside and the witness can ask to be briefly excused to consult with their attorney. It is vitally important for a person who receives a Grand Jury subpoena to consult with and be prepared for a Grand Jury appearance.