What Happens During a Federal Grand Jury Investigation?

A Federal grand jury investigation is like a secret meeting where everyday people gather to help decide if there’s enough reason to charge someone with a serious crime.

They do not determine guilt or innocence, as that responsibility falls to a trial jury at a later stage. Instead, they help answer one question: “Is there good enough evidence to go forward?” 

According to TRACreports, grand juries are also involved in investigating and indicting cases of official corruption. In January 2025, a large percentage of convictions for official corruption were related to local government officials, with the FBI being the lead investigative agency. 

Grand jury investigation lawyer Jacob Longman says that if anyone ignores a subpoena from a grand jury, they can face criminal consequences. Additionally, lying to a grand jury can result in perjury charges. The focus of the grand jury is to assess the evidence available. 

Hi. In today’s blog, I will talk about what really happens during a federal grand jury investigation. So, if that is what you want to know, then keep on reading till the end, and thank me later…

What Is A Federal Grand Jury Investigation?

Thinking about a federal grand jury includes understanding its fundamental role in the judiciary. This jury of citizens weighs the evidence presented by prosecutors as a check on whether they could bring someone forward on criminal charges.

Grand juries, as opposed to trial juries, determine probable cause rather than guilt or innocence. The proceedings are secret and private so as to preserve the integrity of the inquiry and confidentiality of the individuals involved. 

There are 16–23 members of the grand jury that review documentary evidence or hear witness testimony, and sometimes subpoena further evidence. Their decisions bind future cases so that only worthy cases reach trial.

The Selection Process for Jurors

The selection of federal grand jurors is one of the steps taken to keep the panel well-represented and fair.

The potential jurors are randomly chosen from a pool of eligible citizens. This pool is usually drawn from voter registration lists or tax records. You’ll be summoned to report to the courthouse if you are chosen to be part of the grand jury.

During questioning, the judge and the lawyers will ask you whether you have any bias or conflict of interest. If so, they would disqualify you from serving. This process is known as voir dire.

Jurors would be chosen based on their answers so that the group accurately represents the community. This procedure is important for the administration of justice in the legal system.

Evidence Presentation and Witness Testimonies

The facts and witness testimonies presented in a federal grand jury session can have a big effect on the case’s result. Prosecutors show the jury many kinds of evidence, such as documents, recordings, and physical evidence.

In turn, witnesses testify to give their accounts; these may include experts, victims, or even simple witnesses, so that the jurors come to understand the context and relevance of the evidence presented.

Jurors, in this exclusive setting, will hear no opposing views or arguments from the defense. The jurors will have to concentrate on whether probable cause exists for formal charges to be laid upon the accused. 

Did you know that even domestic violence can be investigated by a grand jury? This is especially true when the allegations involve felonies or serious charges. For example, those domestic violence cases involving significant bodily injury are referred for grand jury review. 

As per a California domestic violence lawyer, it is illegal for anyone to use any form of physical force. Additionally, they also cannot threaten harm against the following people:

• Past or present partner.
• Cohabitant.
• Minor.
• Elder.

If the crimes were of a similar nature and were reported, the prosecution could possibly initiate a case. The charge may lead to a felony conviction if it fits the seriousness of the case.

Rights of Witnesses and Targets

Witnesses and targets have defined roles and specific rights vested in them for protection while subject to a federal grand jury investigation. 

You have the right to have your role and the nature of the investigation explained to you. Witnesses are expected to testify truthfully and must be kept free from retaliation.

As a target, you ought to know of your right to remain silent; ignoring this right could harm your case through loopholes. You also have a right to seek counsel to properly guide you during the proceeding.

When information is given, it is usually kept confidential. Knowing these rights is necessary to working effectively in the grand jury setting.

How Long Does the Grand Jury Process Take?

Usually, grand juries are convened for a period of 18 months. The time that is taken for the particular issue to be resolved.

However, the entire timeline of the Federal Grand Jury investigation could be longer or shorter. There are some cases that are solved immediately, whereas others can drag on for a very long time.

The Outcome of a Federal Grand Jury Investigation

After you learn your position in a case (whether you are a witness or a suspect), the next step is to grasp the possible results of the grand jury’s work.

In case the grand jury discovers some proof, they may decide to charge the respondent formally and present a crime to the court.

On the other hand, if the ground is lacking, the jury will not make any formal charges against the respondent, and he will be cleared of all.

The grand jury might even be requesting more thorough probing and the registration of others among the defendants.

Ultimately, you need to keep one thing in mind: if you are not involved in the entire situation directly, you will not get to know anything about the Federal Grand Jury investigation!

If you wanted to know about the entire process of a Grand Jury investigation, I hope that this blog has been of help to you. If there are any other questions that you might have related to this topic, please feel free to reach out!

All you gotta do is leave your comments in the box below. And I will be there to answer them all for you!

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