{"id":1716,"date":"2021-03-16T18:52:05","date_gmt":"2021-03-16T18:52:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.delewislaw.com\/blog\/?p=1716"},"modified":"2021-03-16T18:52:05","modified_gmt":"2021-03-16T18:52:05","slug":"how-to-be-a-good-witness-in-your-own-criminal-case","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.delewislaw.com\/blog\/how-to-be-a-good-witness-in-your-own-criminal-case\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Be a Good Witness in Your Own Criminal Case"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Although most criminal lawyers will recommend that you do not testify at your trial, there are times when a defendant\u2019s personal testimony can be a good strategy for the defense. If you are asked to testify as a witness in your criminal case, or even in someone else\u2019s, be sure you take the time to fully prepare. Start by learning how to be a good witness in your own criminal case to avoid incriminating yourself further or damaging the strength of your defense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Indianapolis
Indianapolis IN Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What TO DO and NOT TO DO as a Witness<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Understand that subpoenas are serious matters that need to be dealt with in a timely fashion. After all, subpoenas are forced and mandatory court orders, and ignoring one can put you in further trouble with the law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be forthcoming during your testimony. Although you should not openly divulge every minute detail of your account of the case, you do need to answer all questions professionally, intelligently, and honestly; otherwise, you might face serious felony charges for perjury and contempt of court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to being honest with the courts and opposing lawyers during your testimony, it is equally important to do the same with your own criminal defense lawyer. They must know everything in order to build an impenetrable defense against your criminal charges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remain openly available to speak and meet with your criminal defense attorney. Your case is important, and if you want to avoid jail and the maximum penalties for your charges, be sure you are staying in touch with your lawyer when they need to contact you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take your lawyers advice, no matter your circumstances. Your criminal defense attorney knows what it takes to place yourself in the best possible position in front of the courts. If they tell you to do something, or avoid something, it is vital that you obey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dress yourself in comfortable, but professional attire for the big day. You might be in the court room for long hours, so you want to be comfortable in order to remain relaxed and focused. Just be sure you are not dressed too comfortably; dress professionally, like you are attending church or a job interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DO NOT:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u2612 Guess or Lie \u2013 <\/strong>Be honest at all times. State the facts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2612 Help \u2013 <\/strong>Only answer the question. Do not give additional, unrequested information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2612 Fail to Appear or Be Late \u2013 <\/strong>Never miss a court date and arrive on time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2612 Joke Around \u2013<\/strong> Being funny or charming is not recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2612 Answer Confusing Questions \u2013<\/strong> Only answer questions you fully understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you in need of reliable criminal defense in Indiana<\/a>?<\/strong> Contact David E. Lewis<\/a>, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free consultation, today. He will protect your rights and preserve your freedoms!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You Might Also Like:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Top Three Rules for Testifying in Court<\/a>
Can a Child Be a Witness in a Criminal Case?<\/a>
Proper Conduct for a Trial Witness<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Indianapolis<\/a>
Schedule a Free Consultation Today!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Although most criminal lawyers will recommend that you do not testify at your trial, there are times when a defendant\u2019s personal testimony can be a good strategy for the defense. If you are asked to testify as a witness in … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1717,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,1,94,61],"tags":[5,29,1291,1287,1289,1290,1288],"class_list":["post-1716","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-criminal-defense","category-criminal-law","category-felony-charges","category-misdemeanor-charges","tag-criminal-defense","tag-criminal-lawyer","tag-criminal-testimony","tag-criminal-trial","tag-how-to-testify","tag-trial-witness-tips","tag-witness-testimony"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.delewislaw.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1716","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.delewislaw.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.delewislaw.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.delewislaw.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.delewislaw.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1716"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.delewislaw.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1716\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1718,"href":"https:\/\/www.delewislaw.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1716\/revisions\/1718"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.delewislaw.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1717"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.delewislaw.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1716"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.delewislaw.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1716"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.delewislaw.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1716"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}