5 Tips for Preparing to be a Trial Witness

Being called to be a trial witness can be an intimidating experience. As the witness, you are expected to provide accurate and relevant testimony that is crucial to the outcome of a trial. It’s important to understand your role as a witness and prepare accordingly in order to present yourself accurately on the stand.

Here we will discuss five tips for preparing to be a trial witness: understanding your role, researching criminal law, knowing what questions you may face, learning how prosecutors think, and consulting with an experienced criminal lawyer. With these tips in mind, you can ensure that your testimony is effective and make sure justice is served!

Call 317-636-7514 to Speak With a Trial Attorney in Indianapolis Indiana.
Call 317-636-7514 to Speak With a Trial Attorney in Indianapolis Indiana.

How to Be a Good Trial Witness

1. Understanding Your Role: As a trial witness, you are expected to provide accurate and relevant testimony that is pertinent to the case. You should make sure you understand your role as a witness before entering the courtroom and be aware of what information is necessary for the proceedings.

2. Researching Criminal Law: Trial witnesses are expected to have knowledge of criminal law. For this reason, it’s important to research criminal law before entering the courtroom. This can help you understand the legal process and make sure that your testimony is accurate and relevant.

3. Knowing What Questions You May Face: Trial witnesses may be asked a variety of questions pertaining to the case. It’s important to be prepared for these questions and understand the potential implications of your answers.

4. Learning How Prosecutors Think: Trial witnesses need to have an understanding of how prosecutors think in order to present their testimony effectively. It’s helpful to familiarize yourself with prosecutorial strategies before entering the courtroom so you can better anticipate what questions you may face.

5. Consulting With an Experienced Criminal Lawyer: Trial witnesses should consult with an experienced criminal lawyer before entering the courtroom. A lawyer can provide you with legal advice and prepare you for the potential questions that may be asked of you during your testimony.

Talk to a Criminal Lawyer in Indianapolis for More Trial Advice

By following these five tips, trial witnesses can ensure that their testimony is effective and make sure justice is served. Trial witnesses should understand their role, research criminal law, know what questions they may face, learn how prosecutors think, and consult with an experienced criminal lawyer in order to present themselves accurately on the stand. By prepping ahead of time, trial witnesses can better represent themselves and help bring about a just outcome. Speak to a criminal lawyer in Indianapolis for further trial guidance and assistance.

Are you ready to beat or reduce your current criminal charges in Indiana? Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to speak with a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our law firm will get you the best possible outcome to your criminal case!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Going to Criminal Court

You don’t have to be ashamed if you’re frightened after being charged with a crime. Almost everyone feels this way when facing criminal charges, especially if they are first-time offenders. Right now, you are asking yourself a mountain of questions that you cannot possibly answer on your own; and this only adds more anxiety and frustration. One of the topics that defendants have about their criminal case has to do with the court system. This is quite understandable since court policies and procedures differ greatly from city to city, and depend on the severity and type of crime.

To help put your mind at ease, talk to your trusted Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer for professional advice pertaining to your unique case. In the meantime, familiarize yourself with some common answers to some frequently asked questions about criminal court.

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

What are the Types of Criminal Courts in Indiana?

The three main types of specialized criminal courts include major felony, misdemeanor, and juvenile court. Each court system deals with the specific charges and penalties under their category. However, this can also depend on the county in which your crimes originated. And in some cases, minors are tried as adults in felony or misdemeanor court if their crimes are severe.

What is a Preliminary Hearing?

Essentially, preliminary hearings are the beginning of the indictment process for many criminal cases. Prosecution will build a case against a suspected defendant, and then bring it to a judge for approval to move forward with filing formal charges against the defendant.

Is a Failure to Appear a Crime?

Yes. If a person misses a mandatory court hearing, they will be issued a bench warrant. This is a type of arrest warrant that demands a person’s presence on the judge’s bench. When a person has a bench warrant, they can be arrested and taken into custody at any time, whether during a routine traffic stop or at their front door. They can post bail and be released from police custody in most cases, but they will have to sit in jail for at least a few hours.

What Can I Expect From a Public Defender?

A public defender is a court-appointed attorney that is paid by the government to represent defendants that are incapable of affording private legal counsel. Generally, they are given to those facing jail time for misdemeanor or felony charges. Although they are fully-qualified lawyers, public defenders often carry a stigma implying otherwise. They have the equivalent training and licenses and extensive courtroom experience that private lawyers do. But this does not mean they should be a first choice for someone facing serious criminal charges.

Can I Represent Myself in a Criminal Case?

Yes, but you should never do this. You do not have the adept knowledge of the law, nor the long-standing professional relationships with the local courts, prosecutors, and judges. Furthermore, a licensed criminal defense lawyer has the competence to build an impactful and aggressive defense on your behalf to protect you from being sentenced to the maximum penalties if convicted.

What Will Happen at My Trial?

What happens at your trial will depend on several factors, including the type of court your case is being adjudicated in, your criminal history, the severity of crime, and your representing attorney. Talk to your lawyer to get a better understanding of what to expect at your trial. It is likely that you will have more than one hearing or trial.

How to Get Started on Your Defense

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law 317-636-7514

Call the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation and case evaluation. During this meeting, which is free of charge, you have the opportunity to sit down with Attorney David E. Lewis and discuss your Indiana criminal charges and the best strategies for your defense. Call as soon as today!

What is Going to Happen at My Pre-Trial?

Indiana Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

Indiana Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

If you were arrested and charged with a crime in Indiana, you have the option of taking your case to trial, rather than enter into a plea deal. Nearly all cases never go to trial, but if you are adamant about your innocence, you can opt for a trial by jury, or a bench trial. Bench trials, however, are only granted if all three parties (the judge, the prosecutor, and the defense) agree to a bench trial. In a bench trial, the judge is the sole decision making and decides on the final verdict. At a jury trial, the jury decides the verdict and the judge decides the sentence. But the sentence is not handed down at the pre-trial.

If you are preparing to go to trial to fight the criminal charges against you, it is important to know what to expect. Discuss your trial expectations and concerns with your criminal defense lawyer for a better understanding of the criminal process. In the meantime, continue reading for a brief explanation of what happens at a criminal trial in Indiana.

Trial By Jury

The judge decides which facts and evidences are allowed to be presented at trial. Both your attorney and the prosecuting attorney will take turns making certain objections until the judge makes a final decision. Then a jury is selected and instructed by the judge. From there, your pre-trial will commence with the prosecution’s opening statements.

After the prosecution’s opening statements, the prosecuting attorney will present all evidence against you. It is the burden of the prosecution to prove that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. When the prosecuting attorney is finished presenting their evidence, they will begin to call witnesses to the stand for testimony. During this time, the defense will be given an opportunity to cross-examine them one at a time, questioning the honesty, validity, and accuracy of each witness’ testimony.

Indiana Criminal Defense Trial Lawyer 317-636-7514

Indiana Criminal Defense Trial Lawyer 317-636-7514

When the state rests, the defense will take their turn to give their opening statements and present their case. Once the defense has given their case summary and presented their evidence, they will begin to call their witnesses to the stand, during which the prosecution will also have a chance to cross-examine each one.

When cross-examinations are through, both parties rebuttal the evidence presented. When this portion of trial comes to a rest, closing arguments are made. The state will go first and last, with the defense closing arguments in between.

After closing arguments, the judge will instruct the jury once more, and then ask them to begin deliberations. Jury deliberations can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours or more. Some juries have deliberated for weeks and months at a time; it just depends on how long it takes for them to come to a unanimous agreement. But in most cases, it takes less than a few hours.

When the jury does come to an agreement, they will reenter the courtroom and the judge will ask them to read their verdict. Then they will deliver a “guilty” or “not guilty” verdict. If you are found guilty, the judge will schedule a sentencing trial, usually within 20 to 30 days. During this trial, you will be handed down a sentence for your conviction. If you are found not guilty, you are simply free to go home and will not have to appear at any more trials or hearings.

Keep in mind that all cases vary depending on their individual circumstances, and the process could differ among defendants. It is important to learn what to expect at your trial from your Indianapolis defense lawyer. They can apply your unique case details and circumstances to the trial process, and explain what will happen in a language you can understand.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law 317-636-7514

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 to get the aggressive Indianapolis criminal defense you need to avoid the maximum penalties for your charges in Indiana. We offer free initial consultations to discuss your charges and the best strategies for defense. Our team works around the clock to ensure your rights are protected and your freedoms are preserved. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a meeting with an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana.