What is a grand jury and what does it do?

Texas law requires action by the grand jury in most instances before a felony case can be brought to trial. If the grand jury believes that there is probable cause to prove that a person has committed a felony, it votes to issue an indictment. A no-bill means that there is not sufficient probable cause to move the case forward. The District Attorney’s Office assists the grand jury in hearing evidence and preparing indictments, but the actual deliberations are secret. Only the grand jurors are present during deliberations and voting on the cases.

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1. What is a district attorney’s office?
2. How do I report a crime?
3. What happens when a law enforcement agency files a case with the Criminal District Attorney’s Office?
4. What is a grand jury and what does it do?
5. What is a plea bargain and how does the process work?
6. How can charges be dropped in a criminal case?
7. Can a witness refuse to testify?
8. When a case goes to trial, who determines if the defendant is guilty or innocent?
9. The defendant has been found guilty, now what?
10. Once the defendant’s punishment had been decided, is that the end of the case?
11. Are all cases argued before the appellate court?
12. If the defendant’s conviction is affirmed, may he seek other relief?