When federal authorities suspect a serious offense, they often turn to a grand jury to decide if there’s enough evidence to bring formal charges. In Hawaii, this process takes place before a case goes to trial and plays a major role in shaping what happens next.
The purpose of a federal grand jury
A grand jury doesn’t decide guilt or innocence. Instead, it determines whether probable cause exists to charge someone with a federal crime. The U.S. Attorney’s Office presents evidence, and jurors decide if the case should proceed. This process helps ensure that charges aren’t filed without a solid foundation of proof.
How a grand jury is selected in Hawaii
Federal grand juries in Hawaii are chosen from a pool of residents in the district, similar to a trial jury. However, the grand jury is larger—typically between 16 and 23 people—and serves for several months. These jurors meet periodically to review evidence in multiple cases. Their discussions remain confidential to protect both the integrity of the investigation and the privacy of individuals involved.
The process behind the scenes
During a session, federal prosecutors present documents, witness testimony, or other forms of evidence. The person under investigation usually does not attend, and there’s no defense attorney present. The grand jury’s job is to decide whether there’s enough evidence to issue an indictment, formally starting a criminal case. If at least 12 jurors agree, the indictment moves forward.
An indictment signals that the federal government believes there’s strong evidence of wrongdoing. It doesn’t mean a conviction, but it does mean formal charges will be pursued. Once indicted, a person will appear before a federal judge to enter a plea and begin preparing for trial.