Grand Jury

A regular Grand Jury is composed of 5 to 7 citizens of Fluvanna County, summoned by the Circuit Court, to consider bills of indictment and to hear witnesses and determine whether there is probable cause to believe that a person accused of having committed a serious crime did commit the crime and should stand trial at a later date.  

The Grand Jury does not hear both sides of the case and does not determine the guilt or innocence of the accused person.  This is determined by a "petit (trial) jury" if and when the accused is tried later.  The Grand Jury only determines whether there is probable cause that the accused committed the crime and should stand trial.