Grand Jury Proceedings in Hillsborough County, FL
The best way to understand grand jury proceedings in Hillsborough County, FL, is to read Administrative Order S-2023-039, which took effect on October 5, 2023. The order explains when the grand jury will be convened, the length of their term, and the dates it begins and ends.
The rules for grand jury proceedings in Florida are covered by Chapter 905 of the Florida Statutes. Under Chapter 905, the circuit court is given the following tasks:
- trying any challenges to an individual grand juror or the panel (section 905.06);
- excusing a grand juror related to a person being investigated (section 905.075);
- appointing a foreperson and alternate foreperson of the grand jury (section 905.08);
- extending the term of a grand jury upon proper petition (section 905.095);
- charging the grand jurors concerning their duties after the grand jurors are sworn (section 905.11);
- advising the grand jury about its legal duties when requested (section 905.18); and
- authorizing disclosure of grand jury testimony in limited circumstances (section 905.27).
For more information about grand jury proceedings, contact the attorneys at the Sammis Law Firm to discuss your case.
Call (813) 250-0500.
2024 Grand Jury Term in Hillsborough County, FL
As required by Florida Statute Section 905.01 (3), the grand jury will be convened for two six-month terms. In Hillsborough County, FL, the term in 2024 runs from:
- October 5, 2023, through April 3, 2024;
- April 4, 2024 through October 2, 2024.
The clerk of court coordinates with the chief judge and the State Attorney’s Office to select a date during the first week of each grand jury term for the issuance of summonses for prospective grand jurors.
Unless the chief judge directs otherwise, the chief judge will personally participate in the impaneling of each grand jury and will appoint the foreperson and alternate foreperson of each grand jury in accordance with section 905.08, Florida Statutes. Thereafter, the following circuit judges are assigned as delegates of the chief judge to handle the remainder of the court duties identified in the introductory paragraph of this administrative order during the terms listed in the order:
- October 5, 2023 – April 3, 2024 – The Honorable Melissa M. Polo, Circuit Court Judge
April 4, 2024 – October 2, 2024 – The Honorable Helene L. Daniel, Circuit Court Judge
If the assigned judge encounters a scheduling conflict at any time during the assignment period, it is that judge’s responsibility to arrange for a substitute circuit judge to handle the matter. The substitute circuit judge should not be assigned to the Circuit Criminal Division. If a substitution occurs, the assigned judge must notify the chief judge, and the state attorney.
This article was last updated on Friday, July 26, 2024.