The grand jury is a group of people from the community called to serve by hearing evidence presented by the prosecutor (Government attorney). Their role is to decide, based on what is presented, if a federal crime was probably committed and whether the person they are investigating probably committed it. They issue formal charges, called Indictments. They are not the same jury that would hear your case should it go to trial. Defense attorneys are not present at grand jury proceedings. Only the attorneys for the government, the witness being questioned, a court reporter, and the jurors may attend.