The Grand Jury plays an important role in the administration of justice in the community. In Georgia, a regular grand jury has both criminal and civil investigative powers. It can indict a person or persons for a crime and review government operations and make recommendations to improve its services.

The Grand Jury is comprised of 16 to 23 citizens who are impaneled for one term of court. DeKalb County Superior Court has a two-month term of court. During that term, the Grand Jury will generally convene two days out of each week for an average of 16 days per term. Read more about the Grand Jury in the FAQ section below.

New Grand Jury Procedures and Safety Measures During the Pandemic
As we resume operations, our priority is the safety and health of the citizens of DeKalb County. As such, we have modified our Grand Jury process to limit possible exposure. We have made provisions to allow prospective grand jurors to appear virtually for the selection process in order to limit the number of people who need to report in person. We will also offer our traditional in-person selection process for those who prefer to appear in person. 

Reporting Information

Check Your Notice Carefully
Please check your Grand Jury notice carefully for the correct date and time to appear.  We are also offering a Virtual Selection Process option. Check your notice for specific instructions on how to participate virtually.

Bring Your ID
Please ensure that you have your government-issued photo identification available for proof of identification. Limit the number of additional items you bring.

In-person Reporting Location
Prospective Grand jurors are to report to the One West Court Square Building located at One West Court Square, Decatur GA, 30030 on the second floor. You will not be required to enter the courthouse. One West Court Square will accommodate people being spaced out six feet apart during the selection process.

Parking & Transit
You may park in the deck located at 125 West Trinity Place (attached to the rear of the Courthouse). Handicap parking is available on all levels of the parking deck, near the elevators, with the exception of the 2nd and 3rd levels. There is one elevator in the parking deck, located in the stairwell adjacent to the handicapped parking spaces. A sign at the entrance of the deck will state that the cost is $6 per day to park. However, a parking code will be provided in order to exit the deck free of charge. Instead of driving, jurors may also ride MARTA to the Decatur Station.

Safety Measures
Masks are optional during in-person selection and while completing any Grand Jury responsibilities.  If you would like a mask, one will be provided to you.

Virtual Selection Process Tips
If you chose to participate in the Virtual Selection Process, you will need to register to join a Zoom Meeting via the link provided in your summons. You will also need the 9-digit participant number in your summons to register. On the day of selection, please ensure that you have your government-issued photo identification available for proof of identification. Further, you will need to be in a quiet, private location with an adequate internet connection. Read this Zoom tip sheet for additional helpful information.

Attire
Casual business attire is required. Shorts, tank tops, bare midriffs, shirts with controversial depictions of wording, or similar dress are not permitted. The temperature can also be unpredictable in our facilities, so please dress accordingly. Shoes must be worn at all times; beach sandals or flip-flops are prohibited.

Information for Selected Grand Jurors

If you are selected to serve on the Grand Jury, you will receive specific instructions on where and when to report. Grand Jury service will take place in a building adjacent to the Courthouse. This location will allow each Grand Juror to sit at their own individual tables that are spaced six feet apart from each other. 

A brief orientation will be conducted regarding your service, and an oath will be administered. Each grand jury serves for a term of two months, usually reporting twice per week.

FAQ

Grand Jury Overview
The Grand Jury is a statutorily mandated and important step in the criminal justice system.

The Grand Jury is comprised of 16 to 23 citizens who are impaneled for one term of court. In Georgia, a regular grand jury has both criminal and civil investigative powers. It can indict a person or persons for a crime and review government operations and make recommendations to improve its services.

DeKalb County Superior Court has a two-month term of court. During that term, the Grand Jury will generally convene two days out of each week for an average of 16 days per term.

Grand Jury proceedings are not open to the public and are, in fact, secret. However, the Grand Jury will regularly produce indictments, special presentments, reports or other documents to be filed with Clerk of Superior Court. Those documents are then part of the public record.

The Grand Jury is very different from a “petit” jury or regular trial jury that only hears one case. Grand Jurors will hear several hundred cases during their term. Further, the Grand Jury does not have to be unanimous in its decision making. The standard used by the Grand Jury is that of probable cause.

ADA Accommodation
Grand jurors who are hearing and/or visually impaired are not prohibited from serving as a grand juror. For ease of accommodation, please notify Jury Management prior to your service if you need assistance. For teletype assistance call 404-371-7069.

Length of Service
Each grand jury serves for a term of two (2) months, usually reporting twice per week.

Grand Juror Compensation
Grand jurors are paid $50.00 for each day of service.

Employer Information
No employer may discharge or demote any employee because the employee has been called for Grand Jury service, or is serving as a grand juror. Grand jurors should notify their employer immediately of their grand jury service. Jury Management will provide grand jurors with proof of service upon request.

Failure to Appear
Grand jurors who fail to appear as directed and to attend until duly discharged are subject to a fine as well as potentially subject to the contempt powers of the Court. The Court may sentence a person to confinement in the DeKalb County Jail under its contempt powers.