How to Prepare to Testify in Court

Whether you are the victim of a crime or a victim-witness, being called to testify in court can be terrifying, especially if you are the victim of the crime or have never testified against someone. While the subject matter of the crime may be uncomfortable and upsetting, the following information will help you to feel more prepared for when it is your time to testify. Know that you are not alone and that the information that you share with the court can help to bring about justice.

If you are called upon to testify as a witness in court, we hope that the following instructions will help.

Get a Lawyer

If you know that you will be called on to testify in court, it is your right to hire a criminal defense attorney in Missouri to help you. Your attorney will help you to better understand what rights you can call upon (such as spousal privileges or the right to remain silent). Furthermore, having a lawyer can help you with the stress that comes from having to testify in court by making sure that you are well prepared to handle the opposing attorney’s questions.

Dress For The Occasion

Appearance as a witness, along with your testimony will be scrutinized while you are on the stand. Don’t come to testify wearing pajamas or street clothes. Business attire is great option for testifying. Dress as if you were going to an interview, you are trying to present your best self when you are on the witness stand, so dress the part without overdoing it.

Mentally & Emotionally Prepare

As previously mentioned, depending on the nature of the crime, some of the memories may be painful and uncomfortable to relive. However, in order to paint a complete picture for the criminal defense attorney, prosecuting attorney, jury, and Judge, you’ll need to recall the events as clearly as possible. Take time to refresh your memory and emotionally prepare to give your testimony to the court.

Listen to The Questions Carefully

Before answering any question from either the defense or the prosecution, make sure that you 100% completely understand what you’re being asked. If you are unsure, ask the lawyer to rephrase the question. Once you understand the question only answer what is being asked, do not give any more or any less information. Lawyers know how to ask questions that will lead you to answer in a harmful way if you aren’t paying attention.

Always Tell The Truth

As a witness, you will be required to swear under oath that you will tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth while you are in the witness stand. And, while you may have no intention of lying, sometimes, a lawyer’s questions may open up to a past where you didn’t behave as you should have. Remember, ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH. The consequences of lying or embellishing facts of a story are so much worse than being honest and owning up to something that you’d rather avoid. Do your best and answer all the questions honestly and succinctly, and you’ll be fine.