I am the victim of a first degree assault. I do not know if I need a lawyer since the state of Ct is prosecuting the one who did it to me. i feel inadequately represented and left out. Do I need or should I get someone other than the state district attorney..will the man who assaulted me be let off easy if I DO NOT have a lawyer?
No. A Grand Jury is a closed hearing.
The grand jury reviews the evidence against the accused
When referring to a particular grand jury (i.e.: The Essex County Grand Jury), yes. When simply just referring to grand juries in general no, it is not necessary.
First, a grand jury, as is the case of any other types of jury, is a jury assembled of people from the general public. This is what makes a jury public. Indict means for a grand jury to decide that there is enough evidence to bring an accused before the court to answer the charges.
The role of the Grand Jury is to hear the evidence that the state has against the accused and determine if probable cause exists to bring them to trial for the offense.
The grand jury listens to all the evidence in a case against the accused and decides whether to charge the individual with the crime. This is called an indictment or an information.
If the procedure happens to exist in that particular state, the individual will first be indicted by a GRAND JURY. When brought to trial their case will be tried by a PETIT JURY. In states with no Grand Jury system, only a Petit Jury is involved.
You don't request a hearing before a Grand Jury. As a matter of fact, you don't even attend your own hearing. If you are arrested, your case will automatically be presented to a Grand Jury for them to consider if they will charge you with the crime or not.
An INDICTMENT by a Federal Grand Jury.
Grand Jury
5th amendment
The duties of a Grand Jury are to hear the prosecutor present Probable Cause that the defendant DID commit the offense for which he was arrested. If the jury agrees that sufficient probable cause exists they "hand down" an indictment officially charging the defendant with the crime.
The Grand Jury is to decide if the evidence warrants prosecution.