Grand Jury Duty in New York: What to Expect
Eligibility and Exemptions
All eligible New York state residents must serve jury duty, with no automatic exemptions. To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:
- United States citizen
- At least 18 years old
- Resident of the county to which you are summoned
Grand Jury vs. Trial Jury
Grand jurors determine if there is enough evidence to indict a person for a felony. They do not decide guilt or innocence. Trial jurors, on the other hand, decide the verdict in a criminal or civil trial.
Length of Service
Grand jury service typically lasts for two weeks to a month. However, it can extend longer in some cases.
Case Types
Grand juries handle a wide range of felony cases, including:
- Drunk driving
- Bomb threats
- Muggings
- Drug offenses
Resumption of Grand Juries in New York City
Grand juries are set to resume in New York City's state courts on August 10th, as announced by Chief Administrative Judge Lawrence Marks.
Additional Resources
- How Grand Juries Work and Their Future in the United States
- Facing a Grand Jury Indictment
- Information for New York State Jurors
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