Colorado Grand Jury Investigations Attorney
The Constitution states that no U.S. citizen can be put on trial without having probable cause to believe that he or she is guilty. In some cases, this is achieved by the holding of a preliminary hearing where a judge determines whether probable cause exists to file charges against someone. It is also possible, however, to use a grand jury for this purpose. In certain cases, Colorado uses grand juries during criminal prosecutions, so if you have been accused of committing a crime in Colorado, it is important to speak with a Colorado grand jury investigations attorney who has experience with grand juries and can give you the best possible chance of getting your case dismissed
What is a Grand Jury?
A grand jury is a group of citizens who are called to listen to evidence presented by a state prosecutor and then tasked with determining whether, based on that evidence, probable cause exists to indict, or bring charges against a defendant. Grand juries can and do consider a wide range of criminal activity, including everything from drug offenses and theft to sexual abuse and homicide.Â
A grand jury is a group of citizens who are called to listen to evidence presented by a state prosecutor and then tasked with determining whether, based on that evidence, probable cause exists to indict, or bring charges against a defendant. Grand juries can and do consider a wide range of criminal activity, including everything from drug offenses and theft to sexual abuse and homicide.
How Are Grand Juries Chosen?
In Colorado, no more than 12 people can sit on a grand jury. Grand jurors are chosen at random from the same group of individuals who qualify for regular juries in the county, which means anyone who:
- Is a U.S. citizen;
- Is over the age of 18 years old;
- Has not been convicted of a felony;
- Is able to understand and communicate in English; and
- Is a resident of the county.
Grand jury proceedings are conducted privately and jurors are prohibited from speaking about those proceedings to anyone outside of the courtroom. The only exception to this rule is when a court issues a written order stating that grand jury information can be revealed. However, this will only happen if a judge decides that the public’s need to know about the proceedings outweighs the need for confidentiality.
What Happens During Grand Jury Proceedings?Â
When a grand jury has been called, the prosecutor for the case will present evidence regarding the alleged crime. Witnesses will usually be asked to testify, physical evidence will be shown to the jury, and a general outline of the case will be presented. Once this evidence has been heard, the grand jury will vote on whether they believe probable cause exists to charge the person with a crime. At least twelve jurors must concur on this issue before it can issue an indictment charging the individual with a criminal offense.
By retaining Ryan W. Brackley, a defendant can maximize the chances
that:
- Ryan Brackley will use the most experienced investigators and experts to look into the case to get ahead of the police and prosecutors, whether there has already been an arrest or an investigation is on-going.
- He or she will be released from custody on the lowest possible amount of bail or on his or her own recognizance;
- He or she may be able to prevail on a motion to dismiss the indictment (if the indictment is defective);
- He or she may be able to suppress any evidence illegally seized by investigators (if the evidence was obtained in violation of the defendant’s rights);
- He or she will be able to prevail at trial;
- He or she will be able to obtain the best plea bargain possible should there be compelling
evidence of the defendant’s guilt; and - He or she will be able to receive a non-prison sentence, or one which results in the lowest amount of prison time possible.
Ryan Brackley in the media
- Critics say Colorado’s habitual offender law is too tough on non-violent offenders
- Boulder County prosecutor Ryan Brackley returns home to New York for Hurricane Sandy recovery
- Exclusive: Barry Morphew attorneys to sue case investigators for false arrest, defamation | Subscriber-Only Content | denvergazette.com
- Gabby Petito Was Strangled, Likely Died 3-4 Weeks Before Body Was Found, Coroner Says – NBC New York
Experienced Lawyers In Denver CO
PRACTICE AREAS
Primary Service Areas
Denver-Metro Area, County of Denver, Arapahoe County, Jefferson County, Adams County, Douglas County, Broomfield County, Boulder County, Denver, Aurora, Centennial, Lakewood, Greenwood Village, Golden, Arvada, Castle Rock, Thornton, Wheatridge, Brighton, Boulder.
More Service Areas
Weld County, Gilpin County, Larimer County, El Paso County, Clear Creek County, Colorado Springs, Greeley, Loveland, Ft. Collins, Central City/Blackhawk, Georgetown, Conifer.
Summit County, Eagle County, Garfield County, Lincoln County, Huerfano County, Park County, Frisco, Breckenridge, Durango, Silverthorne, Vail, Avon, Edwards, Glenwood Springs, Kiowa, Walsenburg, Fairplay, Bailey, Sloan’s Lake, Union Station, Capitol Hill, City Park, Lincoln Park, Sun Valley, Congress Park, Washington Park, Glendale, Cherry Creek, Ruby Hill.
