Grand Jury

A federal grand jury is a body of citizens consisting of twenty-three persons who sit, in secrecy, to hear evidence concerning crimes against the laws of the United States. Federal grand jury service ordinarily lasts eighteen months. Jurors can generally expect to sit one day each week between the hours of 9:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., with a one hour break for lunch.

During a grand juror's term of service, certain days off will be allowed for specific reasons if the juror has been excused in advance from the Court. Thus grand jury will not interfere with important business meetings, planned vacations, or doctor's appointments. Absences, however, should only be requested for truly important reasons since the grand jury must have a quorum of at least sixteen members present to conduct business.

Grand jurors are compensated at the rate of $50.00 per day and 67 cents per mile for each day of actual attendance. Jurors are also reimbursed for all parking and toll fees. Juror checks are mailed to the address of the juror. Certificates of attendance are prepared for grand jurors on each day of actual attendance.