Grand Jury Subpoenas: What You Need to Know
Understanding Grand Jury Subpoenas
A grand jury subpoena is a legal document issued by a grand jury to gather evidence or testimony for a criminal investigation. Once the grand jury is impaneled, the prosecutor has the ability to subpoena records and witnesses.
A grand jury reviews evidence presented by a prosecutor in a criminal investigation. Federal prosecutors are currently investigating the role that former President Donald J Trump and his allies played in the events leading up to the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Types of Grand Jury Subpoenas
There are two main types of grand jury subpoenas: witness subpoenas and target subpoenas.
- Witness subpoenas: These subpoenas are issued to individuals who may have information relevant to the investigation. They require the recipient to testify before the grand jury and provide documents or other evidence.
- Target subpoenas: These subpoenas are issued to individuals who are suspected of committing a crime. They require the recipient to provide evidence or testimony that could be used against them in a criminal prosecution.
Your Rights and Obligations
As a grand jury witness, you have certain rights and obligations. You have the right to:
- Remain silent and assert your Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination
- Be represented by an attorney
- Receive a copy of the subpoena and any accompanying documents
You are obligated to:
- Appear before the grand jury on the date and time specified in the subpoena
- Provide truthful testimony and evidence
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