What is a Grand Jury?
A
grand jury consists of twelve people whose job is to review criminal complaints
and decide if there is sufficient evidence to issue an indictment. The
standard of proof for an indictment is probable cause.
Who can serve on a
Grand Jury?
A
person can serve on a grand jury in Harris County if he or she:
ü is a citizen of Harris County, Texas, and
qualified to vote in Harris County;
ü is of sound mind and good moral character;
ü is able to read and write;
ü has
never been convicted
of misdemeanor theft or any felony;
ü is
not under indictment
or other legal accusation for misdemeanor theft or any felony;
ü is
not on probation for
misdemeanor theft or any felony;
ü has
not served as a
grand juror in the last year;
ü is
not related within the third degree of consanguinity or second degree of affinity to any person selected to serve or serving on the same grand jury;
ü is
not a complainant in
any matter to be heard by the grand jury during the term of court for which he
has been selected as a grand juror.
How is a grand jury
selected?
Prospective
grand jurors will be selected and summoned in the same manner as for the
selection of panels for trial cases in the district courts.
From
among those prospective grand jurors who are summoned, the court impanels
twelve (12) grand jurors and four (4) alternate grand jurors to serve.
The
law requires courts to impanel grand jurors who are “randomly selected from a
fair cross section of the population of the area served by the court.”
This
means that even if the court summons you, you may or may not be selected to
serve. If you are not selected, this is not a reflection on you, but
rather the court’s attempt to comply with the requirements of the law.
Why would I want to
serve on a Grand Jury?
Only
a small percentage of citizens are privileged to serve on a grand jury.
Those who take advantage of this unusual opportunity enjoy having a close up
view of the criminal justice system and participating in the process.
Serving on a grand jury provides a unique education about our criminal justice
system.
Grand
jurors meet new and interesting people and often form lasting bonds with fellow
grand jurors. We always receive letters from former grand jurors stating
what a rewarding experience they had and how much they will miss their fellow
grand jurors.
Grand
jurors are also offered the opportunity to ride with a patrol officer from the
Harris County Sheriff's Department and take a tour of the county morgue.
When and where does
the Grand Jury meet?
Ten
new grand juries are impaneled for each of the January and July Terms,
with five serving for three months. Each grand
jury meets for two scheduled days a week at 1201 Franklin, 3rd Floor, Houston,
Texas 77002. The grand jury's workday can last as long as a regular
work day, but is often shorter.
Will I be paid for Grand Jury Service?
Jurors
will receive $6 for the first day of service. Jurors serving more than one day
of jury service will be compensated at a rate calculated by the State
Comptroller based upon available funding.
How can I serve on a Grand Jury?
To
be eligible for grand jury service, you must attend when summoned for Harris
County jury duty. Attendance does not
guarantee that you will be selected for grand jury or trial service. But you will have exercised the right and
obligation of all qualified citizens to help ensure fair and impartial justice
for all.
Thank you for your interest serving as a
Grand Juror for the
Harris County District Courts!
Updated: March 10, 2016