The Franklin County Grand Jury is a special jury under the charge of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas General Division. The Grand Jury is randomly selected from registered Franklin County voters to serve a four month Grand Jury term. Each juror is required to serve a minimum of two consecutive weeks during the term. The Grand Jury meets daily in the Franklin County Common Pleas Building.
The Grand Jury decides whether a person should be formally charged with one or more felony crimes. It does not try the case, but determines whether there is sufficient evidence to justify a trial. Assisted by the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, the Grand Jury considers all felony criminal cases.
The Office of the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney represents the State of Ohio at the Grand Jury and is responsible for presenting evidence and witness testimony. Generally, only prosecution evidence is presented. The Grand Jury must decide whether that evidence justifies formal charges. Assistant prosecuting attorneys advise the jurors on the law. In those cases wherein the Grand Jury finds probable cause, an indictment is returned by the Grand Jury, allowing the case to proceed.
The Grand Jury Unit of the Office of the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney is located on the 13th floor of the Franklin County Courthouse, 373 South High Street in Columbus, Ohio. The office telephone number is (614)525-3555.
The Grand Jury Unit is staffed by a Chief Counsel, Deputy Chief Counsel, several assistant prosecuting attorneys and support staff employees.