Derecho a tener un abogado durante el testimonio ante un gran jurado especial

Explicación Simple

Si eres testigo ante un gran jurado especial, puedes llevar a un abogado contigo. Tu abogado puede ayudarte y darte consejos mientras das tu testimonio, pero no puede hacerte preguntas por su cuenta.

Es como si estuvieras en un examen de matemáticas y pudieras tener a tu profesor al lado para que te explique los problemas, pero no puede responder las preguntas por ti.

Ejemplo Práctico

Imagina que María es testigo en un caso que investiga un gran jurado especial. Ella lleva a su abogado, quien la ayuda a entender las preguntas que le hacen. Aunque el abogado no puede hacerle preguntas, le da consejos para que pueda responder de la mejor manera posible.

Texto Original del Estatuto (Inglés)

Va. Code § 19.2-209 - Presence of counsel for a witness. Any witness appearing before a special grand jury shall have the right to have counsel of his own procurement present when he testifies. Such counsel shall have the right to consult with and advise the witness during his examination, but shall not have the right to conduct an examination of his own of the witness. 1975, c. 495. Va. Code § 19.2-210 - Presence of attorney for the Commonwealth. The attorney for the Commonwealth shall not be present at any time while the special grand jury is in session except that during the investigatory stage of its proceedings he may be present. When the special grand jury is impanelled upon motion of the court or recommendation of a regular grand jury, he may be present during the investigatory stage only when his presence is requested by the special grand jury and may interrogate witnesses provided the special grand jury requests or consents to such interrogation. When the special grand jury was impanelled upon his request, he may examine any witness called to testify or produce evidence, but his examination of a witness shall in no way affect the right of any grand juror to examine the witness. The attorney for the Commonwealth shall not be present during or after the investigative stage of the proceedings at any time while the special grand jury is discussing, evaluating or considering the testimony of a witness or is deliberating in order to reach decisions or prepare its report, except that he may be present when his legal advice is requested by the special grand jury. 1975, c. 495; 2001, c. 4 . Va. Code § 19.2-211 - Provision for special counsel and other personnel. At the request of the special grand jury, the court may designate special counsel to assist it in its wo