What is the primary function of a grand jury in Georgia?

The primary function of a grand jury in Georgia is to decide whether there is enough evidence to indict a person for a felony. This process involves evaluating the evidence presented by the prosecution to determine if there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed and that the accused individual should face formal charges.

Grand juries do not serve as trial juries, which are responsible for determining guilt or innocence based on evidence presented during a trial. Instead, grand jury proceedings are typically secretive and focus solely on the evidence of specific alleged felonies, without the presence of a defense attorney.

Additionally, while grand juries can play a role in investigations by determining whether further inquiry is warranted, their primary function is not to lead these investigations. Importantly, grand juries do not impose sentencing; that responsibility falls to trial juries or judges following a conviction. This distinction solidifies the grand jury's role as an important gatekeeper in the judicial process, ensuring that there is sufficient evidence before an individual is formally charged with a crime.