IndyStar: Attorney Mark Nicholson Comments on Grand Jury

November 15, 2020
Mark Nicholson

Criminal Defense Attorney and Civil Rights Leader

Mark Nicholson

 

IndyStar: Attorney Mark Nicholson

 

grand jury is a jury made up of a group of citizens empowered by law to conduct legal proceedings and investigate potential criminal conduct, and determine whether criminal charges should be brought. The grand jury may subpoena physical evidence or a person to testify. A grand jury is separate from the courts, which do not preside over it. By law, grand juries are conducted in secret.

 

The United States is one of the few countries that have a grand jury.  Grand juries perform both accusatory and investigatory functions. The investigatory functions of grand juries include obtaining and reviewing documents and other evidence, and hearing sworn testimonies of witnesses who appear before it; the accusatory function determines whether there is probable cause to believe that one or more persons committed a particular offense within the venue of a district court.

Below is an excerpt from the IndyStar article

Criminal Defense and Civil Rights Lawyer

One Indianapolis attorney reached by IndyStar was more critical of the use of grand juries.


Criminal defense and civil rights lawyer Mark Nicholson questioned the use not because of the verdict reached in the Reed case but because the grand jury structure in general provides "favoritism" for police officers.


"Black, brown or poor whites, they really don't get grand juries," he said. "They get charged with a crime, and after they get charged with a crime they have to go to a public hearing to find out what the result is going to be."


"But time and time again you see officers getting grand juries, and it's done in secret. And then the prosecutor comes out and says, 'This is what happened,'" Nicholson said. 

He pointed to the recent case of Breonna Taylor in Louisville, in which a grand jury did not bring murder charges against the officers responsible for her shooting death.


Contact Us

 We have experience in cases involving police misconduct. Call the Law Office of Mark Nicholson at 317-667-0718 if you or a loved is the victim of police misconduct.

 

Indiana Revenge Porn Attorney
By Mark Nicholson September 5, 2025
Indiana's revenge porn law criminalizes non-consensual image sharing, allowing victims to seek justice through criminal and civil actions. Let us fight for you!
Black Indiana Civil Rights lawyer.
By Mark Nicholson August 31, 2025
In a world where civil rights are increasingly under siege, finding a reliable legal ally is no longer a luxury but a necessity.
Domestic violence attorney
By Mark Nicholson August 18, 2025
Searching for a domestic battery lawyer near me in Indianapolis? We provide tips on finding the right legal support for your case. Find a domestic violence attorney.
Indianapolis car accident attorney.
By Mark Nicholson August 18, 2025
Learn what to do after a car accident with our helpful guide. Tips on safety, evidence gathering, and claims to protect yourself in any situation.
Cardi B lawyer
By Mark Nicholson August 12, 2025
The high-stakes civil litigation case against Cardi B continues. She has already secured a 404(b) win. So, what does it all mean for her reputation and her wallet?
GlorRilla's drug bust robbery
By Mark Nicholson July 31, 2025
Chart-topping rapper GloRilla (Gloria Woods) went from electrifying crowds at the WNBA All-Star Game to facing felony drug charges just days later.
Sean Puff Daddy Combs gets sentenced.
By Mark Nicholson July 15, 2025
Sean Diddy Combs is scheduled to be sentenced on October 3, 2025, in federal court. A jury convicted him of one felony count and acquitted him of the others.
Sean Puff Daddy Combs in trial.
By Mark Nicholson June 29, 2025
As Sean "Diddy" Combs' high-profile trial enters its seventh week, closing arguments have finished, and the jury will decide.
Fever Sun WNBA Fight
By Mark Nicholson June 23, 2025
The recent altercation between the Connecticut Sun and Indiana Fever has sparked significant debate, not just among sports fans, but also in legal circles.
Week 6 Puff Daddy jury trial updates
By Mark Nicholson June 22, 2025
As we enter the sixth week of what has become one of the most closely watched celebrity trials in recent memory, the legal case against Combs continues.
More Posts