Legal Question in Criminal Law in Texas

Grand jury proceedings? Romeo and Juliet law?

In Texas, what is the procedure to bring a case before the grand jury? Can/will the DA take a case to a grand jury without person being charged and without their knowledge? What are the romeo and juliet laws? How can I find out information on a case when no crimimal charges have been filed?


Asked on 9/12/08, 2:05 am

4 Answers from Attorneys

Stephen Gustitis Criminal Defense Lawyer

Re: Grand jury proceedings? Romeo and Juliet law?

The prosecution usually is responsible for presenting cases to the grand jury. On occasion, a grand jury will investigate criminal activity without input from the DA, which they have authority to do. The DA often presents cases without the knowledge of the accused. If there is a case under investigation, the police and prosecutors will rarely, if ever, reveal any details about the investigation.

Read more
Answered on 9/12/08, 9:47 am
ERICK PLATTEN LAW OFFICE OF ERICK PLATTEN

Re: Grand jury proceedings? Romeo and Juliet law?

Hello there,

If you believe criminal accusations are going to be presented about you to a grand jury, hire an attorney to write a letter to the district attorney asking them to let you know when they will be presenting information to them.

This is important because you can also send information to the grand jury in information in what is known as a grand jury pack.

Or, your attorney can ask the DA if he can present information to the grand jury personally on your behalf in the form of a presentation.

This presentation has to have the approval of the DA and usually is not granted but it still is in the code of criminal procedure. So, it doesn't hurt to ask if he can give a presentation.

Under no circumstances testify before the grand jury. I don't care what any attorney tells you DO NOT TESTIFY BEFORE THE GRAND JURY. The grand jurors can question you and you testimony will be locked in and can be used against you in at your trial to impeach your testimony if it is different than what you testified to before the grand jury.

Grand Jurors go crazy so just don't do it.

I hope this information has been helpful.

If you have any more questions or need some advice feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Erick Platten

PLATTEN LAW OFFICE

STATE WIDE REPRESENTATION

Read more
Answered on 9/13/08, 1:20 am
ERICK PLATTEN LAW OFFICE OF ERICK PLATTEN

Re: Grand jury proceedings? Romeo and Juliet law?

Hello there,

If you believe criminal accusations are going to be presented about you to a grand jury, hire an attorney to write a letter to the district attorney asking them to let you know when they will be presenting information to them.

This is important because you can also send information to the grand jury in information in what is known as a grand jury pack.

Or, your attorney can ask the DA if he can present information to the grand jury personally on your behalf in the form of a presentation.

This presentation has to have the approval of the DA and usually is not granted but it still is in the code of criminal procedure. So, it doesn't hurt to ask if he can give a presentation.

Under no circumstances testify before the grand jury. I don't care what any attorney tells you DO NOT TESTIFY BEFORE THE GRAND JURY. The grand jurors can question you and you testimony will be locked in and can be used against you in at your trial to impeach your testimony if it is different than what you testified to before the grand jury.

Grand Jurors go crazy so just don't do it.

I hope this information has been helpful.

If you have any more questions or need some advice feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Erick Platten

PLATTEN LAW OFFICE

STATE WIDE REPRESENTATION

Read more
Answered on 9/13/08, 1:21 am
ERICK PLATTEN LAW OFFICE OF ERICK PLATTEN

Re: Grand jury proceedings? Romeo and Juliet law?

Hello there,

If you believe criminal accusations are going to be presented about you to a grand jury, hire an attorney to write a letter to the district attorney asking them to let you know when they will be presenting information to them.

This is important because you can also send information to the grand jury in information in what is known as a grand jury pack.

Or, your attorney can ask the DA if he can present information to the grand jury personally on your behalf in the form of a presentation.

This presentation has to have the approval of the DA and usually is not granted but it still is in the code of criminal procedure. So, it doesn't hurt to ask if he can give a presentation.

Under no circumstances testify before the grand jury. I don't care what any attorney tells you DO NOT TESTIFY BEFORE THE GRAND JURY. The grand jurors can question you and you testimony will be locked in and can be used against you in at your trial to impeach your testimony if it is different than what you testified to before the grand jury.

Grand Jurors go crazy so just don't do it.

I hope this information has been helpful.

If you have any more questions or need some advice feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Erick Platten

PLATTEN LAW OFFICE

STATE WIDE REPRESENTATION

Read more
Answered on 9/13/08, 1:21 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in Texas