grand jury facts
Q: What typically happens to Ferguson police officers when they are involved in a shooting that results in death of a civilian or fellow officer?
A: Officers in the department, and in departments throughout St. Louis County, are placed on paid administrative leave. They must also go to counseling before they can return to work. Authorities have said that Darren Wilson is on paid administrative leave.
Q: Is a grand jury always consulted in the aftermath of such shootings?
A: No. The St. Louis County prosecuting attorney reviews these cases, and if he believes the officer clearly acted in self-defense or did not violate any laws, the prosecutor may decide on his own to not file charges. If there is any ambiguity about the circumstances, the case must go to the grand jury.
Q: Has a grand jury been empaneled for this case?
A: No. This is a standing grand jury, which serves a three- to four-month term and meets Wednesdays.
Q: What will the grand jury assess in this case?
A: The county prosecutor will present evidence from the investigation of the shooting to the jury, which will determine whether Wilson should be indicted on any criminal charges, including homicide.
Q: Will they be hearing from witnesses?
A: The county prosecutor has not said whether he will call witnesses. But legal experts say that it is likely and that the jury may eventually hear from Wilson.
Q: Why hasn't Wilson been arrested?
A: The decision to arrest or not arrest Wilson now resides with the grand jury. If the jury decides to indict him, he will be arrested. Arrests typically occur at the time charges are filed or an indictment is issued.
Washington Post
