Judge Daniel Craig Explains What a Grand Jury Is

Judge Daniel Craig Explains What a Grand Jury Is (Added: May 04, 2009)

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The investigation into a Richmond County deputy's decision to shoot and kill a suspect in the Cherry Tree Crossing neighborhood last winter is nearly complete. A grand jury is expected to look at that evidence soon. WJBF News Channel 6's gets an explanation of exactly what a Grand Jury is, and what it does.

By: Fraendy Clervaud | WJBF-TV
Published: May 04, 2009

Augusta, GA---It's a case that caused unrest at the Cherry Tree Crossing housing area. Two Richmond County deputies were at the center of an officer-involved shooting.

Fast forward five months and we're hearing the case could be sent to the Grand Jury. To better understand, we asked former D.A., and current Judge Daniel Craig to explain the Grand Jury's role.

Judge Daniel Craig, Augusta: “It's an independent body of citizens who represent the community and are specially picked in order to represent the demographics of the community. They act as a buffer between the people and their government."

According to Judge Craig, the Grand Jury decides if a case makes it to trial based on the evidence that is presented during their hearing. He says, if the case involves law enforcement, those individuals are allowed to get representation.

Judge Craig: “They are subject to a process where they are first served at least 15 days prior to a Grand Jury proceedings with the charges that are to be brought against them. They are entitled to hire counsel and they are entitled to be present at the time the Grand Jury receives the evidence in the case.”

Judge Craig says officers can also make a sworn or an unsworn statement during these proceedings. He says if the grand jury determines that a case should go to trial, it doesn't take long before a date is set.

Judge Craig: “If you get into a death penalty case and certainly a case where a police officer might be accused of a crime, that might somewhat be more complex. I would expect for you to see a trial within one-hundred to 180 days.”