2018 Oklahoma Statutes
Title 22. Criminal Procedure
§22-355. Disclosures - Witness right to assistance of counsel.

A. Disclosure of matters occurring before the multicounty grand jury other than its deliberations and the vote of any juror may be used by the Attorney General in the performance of his duties. The Attorney General may disclose so much of the multicounty grand jury's proceedings to law enforcement agencies as he considers essential to the public interest and effective law enforcement. Otherwise, a grand juror, attorney, interpreter, stenographer, operator of any recording device, or any typist who transcribes recorded testimony may disclose matters occurring before the multicounty grand jury only when so directed by the court. All such persons shall be sworn to secrecy and shall be in contempt of court if they reveal any information which they are sworn to keep secret.

B. 1. A witness subpoenaed to appear and testify before a multicounty grand jury or to produce documents, records, or other evidence shall be entitled to the assistance of counsel, including assistance during such time as the witness is questioned in the presence of the multicounty grand jury.

2. If counsel desired by the witness is not available, the witness shall obtain other counsel within a reasonable time in order that the multicounty grand jury may proceed with its investigation.

3. Such counsel may be retained by the witness or shall be appointed in the case of any person unable to procure sufficient funds to obtain legal representation.

4. Such counsel shall be allowed to be present in the grand jury room during the questioning of the witness and shall be allowed to advise the witness but shall make no objections or arguments or otherwise address the multicounty grand jury or its legal advisor. The presiding judge shall have the same power to remove such counsel from the grand jury room as a judge has with respect to an attorney in any court proceeding. Violation of this subsection shall be punishable as contempt.

C. No witness shall be prohibited from disclosing his testimony before the multicounty grand jury except for cause shown in a hearing before the presiding judge. In no event may a witness be prevented from disclosing his testimony to his attorney.

Added by Laws 1987, c. 99, § 6, eff. Nov. 1, 1987.