Criminal Defense FAQ

Wouldn't longer sentences mean less overall crime?
Is there a way to punish a criminal before he actually commits the crime he is planning?
Are all illegal drugs treated equally when it comes to punishing drug dealers?
Can a person be guilty of drunk driving if he has had only one drink?
What is the role of the federal government in criminal law?
Are grand jury proceedings secret?
Are there special crimes to control children's behavior?
What is the difference between probation and parole?
How does a assistant state attorney decide which criminals to charge?
Is driving over the speed limit a crime?
Can only businesspersons be charged with white-collar crimes?

Are grand jury proceedings secret?
Most courts have rules that prohibit disclosure of grand jury proceedings. The rules typically apply to the government attorneys, the grand jury members, and the court personnel. Violators of the rules can be held in contempt of court if a case against them is proven. However, proving that the leaked information came out of the grand jury proceeding and identifying exactly who made the prohibited disclosure is difficult in most cases.

Another challenge to keeping the proceedings secret arises because the prohibition against disclosure often does not apply to a person subpoenaed to appear before a grand jury. Witnesses are free to discuss their testimony with the media or with anyone else, unless the judge expressly orders them not to.
Persons who are the subject of a grand jury proceeding are not entitled to any notice regarding the scope of the investigation or the nature of the incidents under consideration. They are generally not allowed to have an attorney present with them in the grand jury room, but may be permitted to leave from time to time to consult with an attorney outside the grand jury room.