Grand Jury Duty

Grand Jury Proceedings in Nevada

Overview

In Nevada, a grand jury is a legal body composed of laypeople that determines whether there is sufficient evidence to charge an individual with a serious felony offense. Grand jury proceedings are an essential part of the criminal justice system in Nevada, ensuring that individuals are not unjustly charged with crimes.

Differences Between a Grand Jury and a Preliminary Hearing

A grand jury proceeding is different from a preliminary hearing in several ways. In a preliminary hearing, a judge or magistrate determines whether there is probable cause to believe that a crime was committed and that the accused person committed it. In contrast, a grand jury does not decide guilt or innocence, but only whether there is probable cause to indict or charge someone with a crime.

What Happens After the Grand Jury's Decision

After the grand jury has heard the evidence and deliberated, it will issue an indictment, a written statement of the charges against the accused person. An indictment does not mean that the defendant is guilty; it simply means that the grand jury found sufficient evidence to charge the person with a crime.

If the grand jury does not find sufficient evidence to indict the accused person, it will issue a no-bill, which means that no criminal charges will be filed against the person.

Serving as a Grand Juror

Citizens in Clark County, Nevada, may be called to serve on a grand jury. Grand jury service is an important civic duty, and grand jurors play a vital role in the criminal justice system.

To learn more about the Las Vegas Grand Jury and how to serve as a juror, please visit the Eighth Judicial District Court website or call the jury commissioner's office at 702-464-5400.