FARMINGTON -- A panel of judges will meet at the 2nd District Court, 800 W. State Street, on Jan. 6 to hear testimony to determine if reasonable cause exists to call a grand jury.

Utah's Grand Jury statute requires that a panel of judges from throughout the state hold hearings in each judicial district every three years to determine if a grand jury needs to be summoned based on evidence of criminal activity.

Those who would like to testify before the judges, should contact D. Mark Jones, district court administrator, at 801-578-3800, by Dec. 30, to schedule a half-hour appointment. Those testifying must be prepared to give evidence to support claims that justify calling a grand jury. Contro-versies between individual parties will not be considered.

The Attorney General, a county attorney, district attorney, or special prosecutor can also present evidence, if based on criminal activity. The panel will hear, in secret, all claiming to have information that justifies calling a grand jury. All those appearing before the panel will be placed under oath.

Should a grand jury be summoned, jurors will be called from any judicial district.

mwilliams@davisclipper.com