Is the defense going to screw me?

[kriminel1985]

What is the name of your state? florida
i am being summonsed into court in november to testify on behalf of the State of Florida vs. Jon Doe (name altered for confidentiality). i am concerned that the defense is going to try and twist the details, so to speak, and discredit my testimony. i am aware that this is their goal, but how should i go about testimony. my main concern is being so nervous that i say something the wrong way, and then it be used against me rather than on behalf of the State. i am just looking for some "been there, done that" advice. thanks for whatever you can give.

 

[JETX]

"but how should i go about testimony"
*** Do you feel that something you say could lead to YOU being charged with a crime??? If so, get an attorney. Otherwise, simply tell the truth on the stand.

 

[kriminel1985]

Advice taken. I am also concerned about the defense asking me a question which I have no idea the details of...if this happens, what should I do? Keep my mouth shut, or just simply say "I don't know"?

 

[JETX]

If you are asked a question that you truly cannot answer, say so.
From the nature of these questions, I feel that there is something else that is the REAL issue here.

 

[kriminel1985]

It's just that I've never been on the stand before, and I have no clue what to expect from the defense. I know what happened, and it's not that I am afraid to say what happened. When I gave my deposition there was one detail - and I mean ONE detail - where I testified one way when asked the first time, but then the details changed the second time I was asked the same quesiton. From the way the attorney responded to that difference, I'm completely scared of going on the stand. *Important note: the question was "at what point in time, Mr. Jones, did you realize the property was stolen?"...I wasn't focusing on this question or the importance of it when I answered the question. To put it simply, I am just plain nervous of going on the stand...not that I have anything to hide...I just don't know what to expect.

 

[stephenk]

here is all you need to know:

1. listen to the question;

2. if you dont understand the question, say so;

3. if you didnt hear the question, say so;

4. if one of the attorneys objects to the question, be quiet until the judge tells you to either answer the question or tells the attorney to ask another question;

5. only answer the question that is being asked. dont explain you answer unless asked to explain;

6. tell the truth.

 

[kriminel1985]

I suppose I should've taken mock trials in high school a little more seriously. I'm glad I've got a mom who knows a little something about law and criminal defense. I think I've got enough now that I know what I've got to do: tell the truth. Even if the defense twists a question around, answer it with the truth. At least I know that I can say "I don't know" if the defense asks a question from another galaxy.

 

[dyinginside]

just tell them your guilty criminal1985.

it will all be ok

 

[kriminel1985]

Why say I'm guilty when I didn't do anything? I'm the witness, not the suspect.