Legal Definitions - not found

Not found is a legal term used in the context of a grand jury's decision-making process. When a prosecutor believes there is enough evidence to charge someone with a serious crime, they present their case to a grand jury. The grand jury's role is to determine if there is sufficient probable cause—a reasonable basis—to believe a crime was committed and that the accused person committed it. If the grand jury reviews the evidence and concludes that it is *insufficient* to support a formal accusation (known as an indictment or "true bill"), they will mark the proposed indictment as "not found."

Essentially, a "not found" decision means the grand jury has decided there isn't enough evidence to justify moving forward with a criminal trial for those specific allegations, and therefore, no formal charges will be brought against the individual at that time.

• Example 1: Alleged Embezzlement

  A company's CEO suspects a finance manager of embezzling funds. The prosecutor presents bank statements showing unusual transfers and testimony from a junior accountant who expresses suspicion. However, the grand jury finds that the transfers could be explained by legitimate business activities, and the accountant's testimony is based on conjecture rather than direct knowledge. Given the lack of concrete proof directly linking the manager to criminal intent or actions, the grand jury might return a "not found" decision, indicating insufficient evidence to indict the manager for embezzlement.

• Example 2: Disputed Assault

  Following a heated argument at a public event, one person accuses another of assault, claiming they were pushed to the ground. The prosecutor presents the alleged victim's statement and photos of minor injuries. However, the grand jury also hears that there were no independent witnesses, and security footage from the scene is inconclusive, showing only a chaotic crowd but no clear physical contact. If the grand jury determines that the evidence doesn't strongly establish probable cause for an assault, they would issue a "not found" ruling, preventing the case from proceeding to a criminal trial.

• Example 3: Environmental Violation

  A local environmental agency alleges that a manufacturing plant illegally discharged pollutants into a river. The prosecutor presents water samples showing elevated contaminant levels downstream from the plant and expert testimony suggesting the plant is a likely source. However, the plant's defense provides evidence of other potential upstream sources and demonstrates that their internal waste management systems were fully operational and compliant during the period in question. If the grand jury finds the evidence linking the plant directly to the illegal discharge to be too circumstantial or contradictory, they could decide "not found," meaning there isn't enough probable cause to indict the company for the environmental crime.