What is a federal grand jury?

A federal grand jury is an investigative body that is convened in cases involving potential federal crimes. In New Mexico, the United States Attorney’s Office will convene a federal grand jury to investigate crimes that violate federal statutes. Generally, the cases involve complex investigations and a high level of public interest. The federal grand jury is composed of 16 to 23 citizens. The grand jury listens to evidence presented by the Assistant United States Attorney to determine whether probable cause exists to believe that a crime has been committed. The grand jury can also obtain documents, records, and other evidence to help determine whether an individual should be charged with a crime. The proceedings of the grand jury are kept secret. Witnesses are sworn to secrecy and are not allowed to divulge any details about the proceedings. This secrecy is essential to protect the investigation and the rights of the parties involved. If the grand jury believes that probable cause exists to believe that a crime has been committed, then they will issue an indictment. An indictment is a formal charging document, which contains the charges against the individual. In New Mexico, the federal grand jury is an important investigative tool in protecting the safety and welfare of the citizens. It is a fair and effective tool to determine if an individual should be charged for a federal crime.

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What is a federal grand jury?

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