A grand jury serves a fundamentally different role than a trial (petit) jury. Rather than determining guilt or innocence, a grand jury determines whether there is probable cause to believe that a crime was committed and that a specific person committed it. If the grand jury finds sufficient probable cause, it returns a written formal charge called an indictment, after which the accused will stand trial.
Grand jurors hear only evidence presented by an attorney for the government. They do not hear from the defense. This is by design — the grand jury functions both as a "sword," authorizing the prosecution of suspected criminals, and as a "shield," protecting citizens from unwarranted prosecutions.
If you have been instructed to report to the Montgomery, AL courthouse for grand jury service, you have been summoned for a federal grand jury term. All jurors will report on the first day of the term. If you are not selected to serve, your service is complete and you will not need to return to court. If selected, you will receive instructions about the reporting dates for your upcoming grand jury sessions.
Grand jurors in this district are drawn from all 23 counties that make up the Middle District of Alabama:
| Autauga | Barbour | Bullock |
| Butler | Chambers | Chilton |
| Coffee | Coosa | Covington |
| Crenshaw | Dale | Elmore |
| Geneva | Henry | Houston |
| Lee | Lowndes | Macon |
| Montgomery | Pike | Randolph |
| Russell | Tallapoosa |
The questionnaire and excuse request process for grand jurors is the same as for trial jurors. See Responding to Your Summons for full instructions.
Reporting instructions, the Code-a-Phone system, payment, and lodging provisions are the same for grand jurors as for trial jurors. See Payments & Reimbursements for details.
Grand jury proceedings are strictly confidential. Each grand juror takes an oath of secrecy, and this obligation is serious and enduring.
Grand jury secrecy exists for important reasons: it protects jurors from pressure by those under investigation, prevents the escape of those being considered for indictment, encourages witnesses to provide full and truthful information, and prevents harm to individuals who are investigated but not ultimately charged.
You may not discuss matters occurring before the grand jury with anyone — including family members and spouses — except with fellow grand jurors and the U.S. Attorney or an Assistant U.S. Attorney, and only within the grand jury room. Disclosures may be made to others only when specifically ordered by the court.
A federal grand jury consists of 23 members. A quorum of 16 members is required to conduct business. If fewer than 16 members are present at any time, proceedings must stop. Your attendance at every session is essential.
The court will appoint one member as the foreperson and another as the deputy foreperson. The foreperson presides over sessions, manages witness questioning, and records votes.
To return an indictment ("true bill"), at least 12 of the 23 grand jurors must vote in favor. If the evidence is insufficient, the grand jury will return a "no bill," and the person will not be required to stand trial.
For a complete guide to your role, duties, and procedures as a grand juror, please read the Handbook for Grand Jurors.