2
Secret Deliberation & True Bill Vote
At least 14 grand jurors in a 19-member body must concur to return a True Bill. Deliberations are strictly secret under PC § 924.2. Neither the defendant nor defense counsel is permitted inside the room.
Grand Jury Indictment vs. Preliminary Hearing Direct Comparison
| Feature / Metric | Grand Jury Indictment Path | Standard Preliminary Hearing Path |
|---|---|---|
| Decision Body | 19 Citizens (Grand Jury) | 1 Superior Court Judge (Magistrate) |
| Voting / Bind-Over Rule | 14/19 Supermajority Concurrence | Single Magistrate Probable Cause Finding |
| Public Access | Secret / Closed (PC § 924.2) | Public Courtroom Proceeding |
| Defense Cross-Examination | None (Prosecutor Presentment Only) | Full Defense Participation & Cross |
| Primary Quash Challenge | PC § 995 Motion to Set Aside | PC § 995 Motion / Demurrer |