Another thoughtful piece from Joel Cohen (NYLJ Oct. 24, 2022) on grand juries, with his inclusion of the recommendations of Sol Wachtler, former Chief Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals. However, Cohen misses the mark when he declares that both federal and New York state grand juries deprive the defense of the opportunity "to tell or present its side of the story." In fact, for decades, this state has permitted defendants to appear, with counsel, to do just that. And unless a majority of the 23 grand jurors vote to indict, to all intents and purposes that ends the prosecution. That federal statutes do not grant the same protections represents a continuing deprivation to anyone interested in a "search for the truth." Whether state or federal, prior to arrest, grand juries may proceed for weeks, and even months, without alerting prospective defendants. However, once an arrest is made there is no good reason to deny an accused an opportunity to be heard at the ensuing grand jury proceedings.