Community Engagement > Helpful Information > Victim, Witnesses and Jurors

Helpful Information for Victims, Witnesses, and Jurors 

 

Victims

 

If you are the victim of a crime, it is important that you report it to the St. Louis Police Department as soon as possible. As a victim, you have rights. Our Victim Services Unit is here to assist you throughout the process. For more information, visit the Victim Services Unit page (link).

 

Witnesses

 

If you witness a crime, call the St. Louis Police and report it to them. If charges are filed, it is important that you assist the Circuit Attorney's Office with the case. The information you provide is very important and can help make our City a safer place. If you have questions, you can contact the Victim Services Unit at (314) 622-4373.

 

Jurors

 

A fair and effective criminal justice system can only work with citizens willing to serve as a member of a jury. While for some this may feel like an inconvenience, your participation is critical to the pursuit of justice for all citizens. When you are requested to serve jury duty, it is important that you appear in person ready to serve – without jurors the criminal justice system shuts down.

 

If you have been selected for jury duty, you can get more information from the Jury Commissioner by calling 314-622-4458. They will be able to tell you where to park, where to catch the bus, or answer any other general questions.

 

During jury duty, there will be a lot of waiting because there are legal motions and work that lawyers and judges do outside of your presence. The Court and prosecutors work hard to minimize this period, but please be patient.

 

Tips:

  • Wear respectable but comfortable clothing. Some jurors like to have a sweater with them as some of the courtrooms, while beautiful, can be chilly.
  • If you have to take medicines or other treatments, please make sure you tell the jury commissioner and the bailiff once you reach a courtroom. The bailiff will tell the Judge who will work with you.
  • Bring a book or other item to read. While you cannot read while court is in session, during some of the waiting periods you are permitted to read. Do not bring items to read that are related to cases in the court system at the present time. Do not bring a dictionary or other item for use in court.
  • Bring money for lunch or snacks. The jury fee is not paid to you immediately.

 

Grand Jury

 

A Grand Jury is a type of jury that can determine if there is enough evidence for prosecutors to proceed with pursuing charges against a suspect. The Grand Jury of the City of St. Louis is established by Missouri law. The Grand Jury may investigate and return indictments in felony and misdemeanor cases occurring within the City of St. Louis. A grand jury is traditionally larger and distinguishable from a petit jury, which is used during a trial. There are certain requirements that each juror must fulfill before he or she may serve on the Grand Jury. A grand juror must be 25 years of age or older, a citizen of the United States, a resident of the City of St. Louis, and must not have any felony convictions.

 

Prospective grand jurors are summoned by the Jury Commissioner and are selected by the Circuit Judge presiding over Division 16. Grand jurors serve for three months, and there are four different Grand Jury terms each year. Some grand jurors serve regularly during their three-month term and others serve as alternates, as needed.

 

Grand Jury hearings are closed hearings to the public and all but a few individuals.