Moab, UT---A panel of judges is scheduled to meet on Jan. 15, 2009 to hear testimony to determine if reasonable cause exists to call a grand jury. The meeting will take place in the Grand County Courthouse, 124 East Center St., Moab.
Those wanting to testify before the panel of judges should contact District Court Administrator Debra Moore at (801) 578-3800 by Jan. 5, 2009 to schedule an appointment. Individuals testifying must be prepared to give evidence to support claims that justify calling a grand jury. Controversies between individual parties will not be considered. Individuals who need special accommodations during the hearing must notify the court at least three business days prior to the hearing.
Utah’s Grand Jury Statute requires a panel of judges selected from throughout the state to hold hearings in each judicial district every three years. The purpose of the hearings is to determine if a grand jury needs to be summoned based on evidence of criminal activity. The Grand Jury Panel is comprised of the following judges: Supervising Judge A. Lynn Payne, Eighth District Court; Judge Terry L. Christiansen, Third District Court; Judge Steven L. Hansen, Fourth District Court; Judge Sandra N. Peuler, Third District Court; and Judge W. Brent West, Second District Court.
The Attorney General, a county attorney, district attorney, or special prosecutor appointed under U.C.A. 77-10a-1 can also present evidence if it is based on criminal activity. The panel of judges will hear, in secret, all persons claiming information that justifies calling a grand jury. All individuals appearing before the panel of judges will be placed under oath. If a grand jury is summoned, the jurors will be called from the state-at-large or any judicial district within the state.