Felony cases in Ohio often go through a grand jury. Many people have heard the term but do not know what it means. Here is how it works.
What a grand jury is. A grand jury is a group of citizens who review evidence and decide whether there is enough to formally charge someone with a felony. In Ohio, a grand jury has nine members. It is different from a trial jury. A grand jury does not decide guilt. It only decides whether a case should move forward.
What it decides. The grand jury asks one main question: is there probable cause to believe a crime was committed and that this person committed it? If the answer is yes, the grand jury issues an "indictment," also called a "true bill." An indictment is the formal charge. If the answer is no, the result is a "no bill," and that charge does not go forward. In Ohio, at least seven of the nine members must agree in order to indict.
It is secret. Grand jury proceedings are private. The public is not allowed in. The jurors' discussions and votes are kept secret. This secrecy is meant to protect witnesses, protect people who are not charged, and let jurors speak freely.
Who is in the room. The prosecutor presents the evidence and can question witnesses and give legal advice. A court reporter and any needed interpreters may also be present. But when the grand jurors talk things over and vote, only the jurors remain. No one else is allowed to stay for the vote.
What is different from a trial. A grand jury only hears the prosecutor's side. There is no judge running the room, the defense does not usually present evidence, and the rules are far looser than at trial. That is why an indictment is not proof of guilt — it is only a decision that the case can proceed.
How VanHo Law can help. Even though the defense has a limited role at the grand jury stage, an experienced lawyer can still make a difference — by advising you on whether to testify, communicating with the prosecutor, and preparing your defense for what comes next. Attorney Adam VanHo and VanHo Law understand how the grand jury process works and how to protect clients as a case takes shape.
About Attorney Adam VanHo
Adam VanHo is a former prosecutor and Assistant Attorney General who represents individuals charged with a variety of crimes in state and federal courts. A veteran of over one hundred trials, Adam represents individuals charged with offenses ranging from traffic offenses to capital murder and organized crime. An attorney for twenty-five years, Adam has appeared in trial and appellate courts in both state and federal courts, and has even briefed cases to the Ohio and United States Supreme Courts. Adam is licensed to practice in all state and federal courts in Ohio and Pennsylvania; all federal courts in the District of Columbia; the United States Supreme Court; and the International Criminal Court. Adam is currently a member of the Criminal Justice Act (CJA) panels for both the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio and the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Adam has regularly appeared as a commentator and expert in local media, and his cases have attracted national and international attention.
This article is intended for general information and to help the public understand how criminal cases proceed in Ohio. It is not legal advice. Every case is different. If you or a loved one is facing a criminal matter, contact VanHo Law to discuss your specific situation.