What is a grand jury?

A grand jury is a group of 12 citizens that consider whether indictments should be returned in felony cases. The grand jury meets weekly in Fort Bend County. Grand jurors are summonsed the same way that potential jurors are summonsed to hear trials in the courts.  Both groups are randomly selected by a computer from the voter registration and driver's license rolls.  A district court judge reviews the legally established qualifications of those summonsed and selects 12 grand jurors and four alternate jurors.  I have no input in the selection process. Grand jury proceedings are not open to the public, and witnesses take an oath of secrecy before testifying. If the grand jury believes that there is sufficient evidence to prove that a person has committed a felony, it votes to issue what is called a “true bill,” or indictment. At least nine grand jurors must vote in favor of an indictment, or the case is “no-billed,” which terminates the case. My assistants help the grand jury in hearing evidence, but the actual consideration of cases is secret and only the grand jurors are present when voting is in progress.