When you receive a jury summons, whether it’s for federal or state court, the basic rules are similar. You may be selected for either a grand jury or a petit jury. A grand jury typically consists of at least 23 members and some alternates. Unlike a trial jury, they hear multiple cases but don’t determine guilt or innocence. Their role is to decide if there’s enough evidence (probable cause) to require a defendant to stand trial. Grand jury proceedings are always held in secrecy. A prosecutor leads the grand jury, guiding them through the process and ultimately telling the jury what they want in terms of an indictment. The foreman of the jury signs the indictment if the jury agrees.    The grand jury need not be unanimous in returning their verdicts.   You’ll never see a defense attorney in a grand jury room because they’re not allowed. Defendants are usually invited to testify, though defense lawyers nearly always advise against it. On rare occasions, a defendant may...