Download - Grand Jury Reform in Texas
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Grand Juries in Texas
A look at the grand jury system in Texas and upcoming reforms to the Grand Jury process
Benson VargheseVarghese Summersett PLLC
https://versustexas.com(817) 203-2220
Presentation to Fort Worth Paralegal Association
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What is a Grand Jury?
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What is a Grand Jury?• In 2014, 80-90% of all cases in major
metropolitan areas in Texas presented to grand juries were indicted.
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Why have Grand Juries?• The Fifth Amendment to the Constitution of the
United States reads, "No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury…"
• Texas Constitution Article 1, Section 10 provides …no person shall be held to answer for a criminal offense, unless on an indictment of a grand jury…
• Code of Criminal Procedure Article 1.05 provides No person shall be held to answer for a felony unless on indictment of a grand jury.
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Role of a Grand Jury
• To determine is probable cause exists that an offense has occurred.
• To act as a filter between allegations and a person facing felony charges.
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Probable Cause
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How Grand Juries are Formed
• Pre-Sept 1, 2015• District Court judge-appointed 3-5
commissioners • Commissioners chose grand jurors• Pursuant to Article 19.06, they selected 15-
40 to be grand jurors
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How Grand Juries are Formed
• Post-Sept 1, 2015• 20 – 125 prospective grand jurors
• Summoned in the same manner as panels for civil cases in district courts are summoned
• The grand jury commissioner system is abolished.
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Powers of the Grand Jury
• True Bill / No Bill Case• Investigative Power
• Summons in-county • Subpoena out-of-county
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What happens inside the Grand Jury room?
• Presentation of Evidence by the State • Witnesses • Questions • Can be informed by “any other credible
person.” Defense presentations.
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The voting process
• Quorum: 9 • 9 vvotes required for a true bill
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Benson Varghese
Varghese Summersett PLLC
817-203-2220
https://versustexas.com