After nearly four months, grand juries are returning to Nassau and Suffolk courts on Monday.

The step forward on Long Island is being welcomed by both defense attorneys and prosecutors.

“It's great for the public, it's great for the DA's office and law enforcement and the defendants,” said Suffolk District Attorney Tim Sini.

Defense attorney Bruce Barket told News 12 that “we really don't want to live in a society where an individual can be arrested, detained, incarcerated and not have access to the courts.”

“That's the society we've lived in since March 16,” he said.

In Nassau, new rules will require only 60 to 80 people in courtrooms and everyone will be socially distant.

In Suffolk, jurors will report to larger central jury rooms in both Riverhead and Central Islip.

“We're going to ensure that grand jurors socially distance, that they wear masks, that they are screened for COVID-19 symptoms,” said Sini.

Potential jurors will need to bring their own masks and pens. Temperature checks will also be done at the courthouse doors.

At least two grand juries of 23 people each will be empaneled and then work for 20 days – deciding whether to indict on certain charges.

Sini says the backlog of cases is “not as bad as one would think” but Barket told News 12 that he expects it to be “significant.”

Nassau District Attorney released a statement on grand juries returning: 

“As we reestablish in-person court proceedings, we will work with the Office of Court Administration to ensure the health and safety of jurors, witnesses, court staff, DA staff and all those who enter Nassau County courthouses.”