JUDGES TO DETERMINE NEED FOR GRAND JURY

Tooele, UT — The panel of judges designated to determine the need for calling a grand jury is scheduled to meet on May 10, 2018, to hear testimony to determine whether reasonable cause exists to call a grand jury in any matter. The meeting will take place at the Tooele Courthouse, 74 S. 100 E., Rm 14. Tooele, Utah 84074.

Those wanting to request a grand jury and testify before the panel of judges should contact State Court Administrator Jacey Skinner at (801) 578-3820, by Tuesday, May 1, 2018, to schedule an appointment. If no appointments are scheduled by May 1, the meeting will not be held.

Individuals testifying must be prepared to give evidence to support claims that justify calling a grand jury in any criminal matter. A grand jury may not be called to hear private controversies between individual parties. Individuals who need special accommodations during the hearing should notify the court at least three business days prior to the hearing, to facilitate the accommodation.

Utah’s Grand Jury Statute, Utah Code 77-10a-2, requires a panel of five judges appointed from throughout the state to hold hearings in each judicial district every three years. The purpose of the hearings is to determine whether a grand jury needs to be summoned to return indictments based on evidence of criminal activity. The Grand Jury Panel is comprised of the following judges: Supervising senior judge, Judge W. Brent West, 2nd District Court; Judge Lynn W. Davis, 4th District Court; Judge Elizabeth Hruby-Mills, 3rd District Court; Judge Eric A. Ludlow, 5th District Court; and Judge Kara Pettit, 3rd District Court.

The Attorney General, a county attorney, district attorney, or special prosecutor appointed under U.C.A. section 77-10a-1 may also present evidence of criminal activity. As required by statute, the panel of judges will hear, in secret, all persons claiming information that justifies calling a grand jury. All individuals appearing before the panel of judges will be placed under oath. If a grand jury is summoned, the jurors will be called from the state-at-large or any judicial district within the state. Additional information is available at http://legacy.utcourts.gov/cal/grandjury.

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