Allows felony defendants to request indictment by open grand jury

Ohio HB527 amends the state's criminal procedure to allow felony defendants to request an indictment by an open grand jury instead of a secret grand jury. The bill specifies the conditions under which a defendant can make this request and outlines the procedures for open grand jury hearings. It also details the rights of victims and their representatives in these proceedings. The bill repeals certain sections related to secret grand juries and enacts new sections to facilitate the use of open grand juries for felony cases.

Allows felony defendants to request indictment by open grand jury

Ohio HB527 amends the state's criminal procedure to allow felony defendants to request an indictment by an open grand jury instead of a secret grand jury. The bill specifies the conditions under which a defendant can make this request and outlines the procedures for open grand jury hearings. It also details the rights of victims and their representatives in these proceedings. The bill repeals certain sections related to secret grand juries and enacts new sections to facilitate the use of open grand juries for felony cases.