Ferguson, Missouri grand jury decision could be issued this weekend

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A St. Louis County grand jury met again Friday to consider charges in the police shooting of teenager Michael Brown as public officials and residents brace for the reaction to whatever is decided.

The decision day could well be this weekend for the grand jury considering whether to charge Ferguson officer Darren Wilson with a crime in the death of Michael Brown. On Friday in Metro St. Louis, Brown family attorneys, law enforcement and community leaders all said they were readying for the worst while hoping for the best.

"Let's just face it, the city is really in a panic at this point in anticipation of this decision," said Anthony Gray, Brown family attorney.

Scenes such as these from Thursday night are fueling the fear. Even without a decision on charges, there have been scattered arrests.

"Hurting others and destroying others is not the answer," said Michael Brown Sr.

Brown's father calls for peace, the U.S. Attorney General gives new guidelines to police for keeping the peace and local leaders announce a "rules of engagement" agreement with fifty protest groups.

"I expect the best of people. The vast majority of organizations in this community have been working very hard to train their members and their volunteers," said Charlie Dooley, St. Louis County executive.

Here are the legal options for the grand jury. The most serious would be an indictment for second-degree murder, that Officer Wilson knowingly caused the death of Mike Brown.

Voluntary manslaughter: that Wilson caused death during a moment of passion or uncontrolled emotion. First-degree involuntary manslaughter: that he recklessly caused a death. Second degree involuntary manslaughter: that Wilson was criminally negligent. Or, there could be no charge at all.

Whichever, a group called "Disciples of Justice" pledges to prevent what happened in August.

"We're looking for the police departments, the National Guard, Homeland Security to be as equally committed to peaceful demonstrations," said Eddie Hassaun, president, National Action Network.

There are 12 people on the grand jury. It takes nine of them to agree on charges, unlike a trial jury that requires all to agree. And the standard is different - in a criminal trial, jurors must determine guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Grand jurors only have to find that there is probable cause to believe a crime was committed.