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Shealey Law Firm handles South Carolina State Grand Jury investigation defense. If you are facing a State Grand Jury investigation, our attorneys can advise you and represent you.
How you respond to a State Grand Jury investigation can impact the entire case against you. Our attorneys understand the process and what someone should do if they find themselves the subject of an inquiry.
Contact us as soon as you may be involved in State Grand Jury proceedings.
Attorneys for State Grand Jury Defense
All State Grand Jury investigations are serious matters. The State Grand Jury pursues matters that are serious, complex and high-profile.
How we can help
Our attorneys can help you with State Grand Jury defense in many ways. Here are some examples:
- Understanding the powers of the State Grand Jury
- Knowing what to do if you receive a subpoena
- Identifying your constitutional rights and privileges
- Raising privileges and taking steps to protect your rights
- Considering possible outcomes what to do next
- Looking at various ways to respond to what is being asked of you and the entirety of the situation
- Determining if cooperation or negotiation is right for you
- Guiding you through next steps including documents that may need to be preserved
- Addressing any inappropriate acts that may occur surrounding jury activity
- Defending you and fighting allegations against you
You may be asked to produce documents, or you may be asked to testify. You may be the subject of an investigation. If you have any possible involvement with a State Grand Jury, an attorney should be your first call. The Shealey Law Firm may assist you. Contact us now.
Cases Heard Before the South Carolina State Grand Jury
Some types of cases that may be heard before the South Carolina State Grand Jury are:
- Cases spanning multiple counties
- Criminal enterprises
- Election fraud
- Human trafficking
- Securities fraud
- Money laundering
- Using a computer to commit a crime
- Large-scale drugs and narcotics operations
- Gang activity
- Terrorism
- Obscenity
- Environmental crimes
S.C. Code § 14-7-1630 lists the types of cases heard by the South Carolina State Grand Jury.
Powers of the South Carolina State Grand Jury
The South Carolina State Grand Jury has two functions: investigating crimes and issuing indictments. They have several powers and tools available to them for their work. They may issue subpoenas for documents or witness testimony. Expert accountants may help them make sense of records and financial information.
The subpoena power of the State Grand Jury extends throughout the state. Any law enforcement officer with jurisdiction may serve a subpoena. Failing to respond to a subpoena may result in contempt of court proceedings, but you have the right to avoid self-incrimination and coercion of your testimony. State Grand Jury proceedings may require the preservation of records and evidence.
State Grand Jury activities are conducted in secret. Jurors may not disclose their activities.
State Grand Jury Defense FAQs
What is the South Carolina State Grand Jury?
The South Carolina state grand jury is a group of citizens, selected at random, to investigate criminal activity and determine whether to issue criminal indictments. They are a panel of citizens that convenes to decide whether to authorize criminal charges in certain cases. Generally, the state grand jury deals with cases that transcend county lines, or which involve public corruption.
What is the difference between a grand jury and a trial jury?
A grand jury decides whether to authorize criminal charges against someone. They do not ultimately decide if someone is guilty or not guilty. A trial jury hears the entire case, presented by both sides. A trial jury has the authority to find someone guilty of a criminal offense.
How is the State Grand Jury selected in South Carolina?
The State Grand Jury in South Carolina is selected randomly. Prospective jurors are summoned, and their qualifications are examined. If selected, members report for duty a few days each month for the duration of their appointment.
How many people are on the State Grand Jury in South Carolina?
18 people sit on the State Grand Jury in South Carolina, plus four alternates. At least 12 must agree that criminal charges are appropriate before returning an indictment.
Why is there a State Grand Jury in the first place?
The State Grand Jury exists to make sure that innocent people are not unfairly charged with crimes. The grand jury system gives citizens a say in whether there is probable cause for a person to face criminal charges. Specifically, the State Grand Jury exists for cases that involve multiple counties or which may involve public activity.
What happens if the state grand jury returns an indictment?
If the state grand jury returns an indictment, it is transferred for prosecution to the county where the offense was allegedly committed.
Help for State Grand Jury Investigation Defense
If you are facing a State Grand Jury investigation, know that it is not a conviction. In fact, a State Grand Jury investigation by itself is not a criminal charge unless the jury decides to issue an indictment.
Despite not being an official criminal conviction or charge, a State Grand Jury inquiry must be taken seriously. How you respond may impact whether you face criminal charges and the outcome of those charges. You don’t want to give up important rights and protections or incriminate yourself.
Having an attorney involved as early as possible as the events unfold can ensure that you protect your rights. Shealey Law Firm represents people involved in State Grand Jury proceedings. When you don’t know what to do or who you can trust, you can trust us to represent and defend your legal interests.
Consultations Available – Taking New Cases
We are experienced South Carolina State Grand Jury investigation defense lawyers. If you are or may be a part of State Grand Jury proceedings, we invite you to contact us to talk about your situation. We can answer your questions, provide guidance and discuss how we can help.
We are currently taking new cases, and it’s best to contact us as soon as possible. Call or message us now to talk about your case.