Virginia law allows circuit courts to impanel special grand juries either on their own initiative, upon recommendation by a regular grand jury, or at the request of the Commonwealth's attorney, to investigate specific criminal conditions or offenses. The law also specifies the composition requirements for these special juries, including size, qualifications, and impartiality standards.
A special grand jury in Virginia is a jury impaneled to investigate specific criminal conditions or offenses, with a size of 7 to 11 members, and is convened for targeted inquiries.
A circuit court can impanel a special grand jury on its own, based on recommendations from a regular grand jury, or at the request of the Commonwealth's attorney.
Members must meet the same qualifications as regular grand jurors, including impartiality, and are examined under oath by the presiding judge to ensure suitability.
A special grand jury in Virginia consists of between 7 and 11 members, selected from a court-prepared list and confirmed for impartiality.