For grand jury hearings, who is responsible for informing the accused of an upcoming hearing, and how long in advance do they have to be inf...

Question

For grand jury hearings, who is responsible for informing the accused of an upcoming hearing, and how long in advance do they have to be informed

Answer

The accused has no right to testify or be present at a grand jury hearing, so they have no right to know when the hearing is to take place. If indicted, the defendant will receive notice from the court for an arraignment. Does this person have a lawyer?

-Michael B. Roberts, Esq.

Answer

If a felony complaint has been filed, and you have been arraigned on it and you or your attorney filed a written request to testify the District Attorney MUST inform you of the date and time of the GJ proceeding and give you a reasonable opportunity to testify on your own behalf pursuant to CPL 190.50. If however ,you have not been arraigned and filed a request, there is no obligation to inform you.