How to be a good witness - Tips before you testify
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- Опубликовано: 14 май 2024
- Hi, this is Howard Snader, I'm a board-certified expert in criminal law and the Snyder Law Group is here to help you when you have problems involving criminal or family law matters. In this week's legal tip, I want to talk about a common issue that happens when clients have to testify whether it's an interview with an insurance adjuster, whether it's an interview with a police officer, whether it's being on a witness stand and under oath, whether it's giving a deposition in a civil case or family law matter. And I go through these tips with my clients in the hope that I can prepare them best for moving forward with the questions and answers they're going to receive from a lawyer. Now, when we talk about an interview, it's not necessarily under oath, and in most cases, we want that interview. To go as smoothly as possible, be as upfront and honest as possible. We're not trying to hide anything, when you hide something that half-truth, you're hiding, can come back to bite you. I've certainly had personal experience not being the one bitten but doing the biting, it's a lot of fun for the lawyer, it's no fun for the person to be on the other end of that, you don't want to be that person. So attached to this video attached to the post, I hope the paper that I hand up to my clients will also be attached. And certainly, if it's not, you can contact our office, we'll be happy to send it out to you. With that in mind, I want to go through the tips that I would normally provide to my clients. So even before you have to appear, you want to verify that you're going to the right place, you need to know how long it's going to take you and plan on being early. So whether it's a subpoena, and you want to contact the lawyer or law firm that issued the subpoena, or the court that issued the subpoena, make sure you make that call ahead of time, verify it's still on the calendar, it's still ready to go. There are no problems. If a matter has been continued, make sure that once you get the new date and verify if the subpoena you got or the notice that you've got is still going to be valid for the new date. In many cases, it's not reissued. But the judge will just say that it is continued and the subpoena will remain in effect for the new date. As I tell my clients and as I started off here, really plan on getting to your destination quarter otherwise, about 30 minutes before leaving enough time to park get through security, and just get a bearing for where things are at. In some cases, you may want to drive there prior to the date of your appearance so that you have a better idea of where things are at how long it's going to take, and where you need to go. Now, it is important to know whether or not your interview will be videotaped or whether it will be a live appearance before a courtroom. So you want to make sure that you're dressed appropriately. As I tell my clients when they asked what is appropriate dress like you're going to court. That means no blue jeans are say should say dress like going to church, no blue jeans, no t-shirts, certainly nothing derogatory, no flashy jewelry. If you have tattoos, quite frankly, you want to try and cover them up as best you can. You don't want to give a reason for somebody to dislike you because of your personal appearance. I get it. That shouldn't factor in anything but we're human and it does. So dress appropriately for where you're going. That normally means a minimum of a button-down shirt. If you're a guy. I don't want you wearing a tie or a jacket unless you're comfortable wearing a tire and a jacket. Just look nice. Be well-groomed for the women a professional appearance. Try to avoid being overly sexy over overdressed with jewelry, or makeup or perfume. It really you just want to be neutral in your appearance but professional. That there's no other way for me to describe that. So if it's appropriate for church, it's going to be appropriate for the court or whatever other setting you're going to be in for your interview or deposition or a statement. Always, always, always tell the truth. Think before you speak. Do not exaggerate as any exaggeration can really discredit your testimony. half-truths do come back to bite you. So you really need to listen to the questions that are being asked. You need to answer the question that's being asked and no more. Don't go down the rabbit hole.
SPEAKER
Howard Snader
Snader Law Group
Phoenix, AZ
www.snaderlawgroup.com
Bravo! Very well said!
Howard, great video, I actually had an economic loss Wrongful Death case in AZ a few years ago, you were very clear and super useful to validate in a structured way what I have been told by multiple attorneys in the dozen years I have been doing WD PI Economic Loss analysis...thanks, maybe we will meet someday!
Very incredible case approach, in reference to witness, bystander who may face problematic, learn and don't give up, just get,encouraged
Generous information. Thank you!
Good talk!
Thank you 🙏the best advice.
Very helpful
Thank you 😊
Thank You.
Excellent tips Mister
Great video.
Good | Yes
Hey Howard, great video! I was wondering if I could assist you in editing your videos and creating highly engaging shorts from them.
This is excellent advice!!! People sure do judge others. Especially in a court setting, I love your painting on the back wall...
I do believe public school curriculum missed much.
Thank you!! 🙏❤️ Testifying on Monday, and terrified. But, this helps.
I’m testifying tomorrow morning for the first time lmao I’m so nervous too
@@SpicyMang0s I know it’s terrifying, but you’ll get through it. (Mine got postponed twice since I posted this) and I’m still in wait.. unfortunately. Sending love and prayers your way.
@@SpicyMang0s let me know how it goes?
Never give a witness statement. My sister gave one, due was told by the police that she wouldn't have to go to court. However, she was forced to go, even though she has bipolar. She had a mental health crisis as a result of the cross examination and the whole experience.
Hey sorry how was your trial you fallowed advice on your hiring ? I’m curious my is tomorrow 😰
Very informative video👍 but I hope I never have to go to court🤔
And now she's trying to sell the house without everyone's concern
When the person you should be testifying against has the Forbes 500 list and all the money that goes along with that on their side I highly doubt your subpoena will arrive.
Great case❤😂🎉
Looking for assistance to help when I testify.
Hello. If a case is mutually dismissed, can I still sue for false arrest ? I was falsely arrested and charged with Simple Assault, they asked for a Mutual Dismissal & expungement. Can I still sue this police department ?
Likely yes, although it’s typically an uphill battle to sue the cops
Thank you for your team of concerned citizens to join this wonderful platform,hope you enjoy, but bring you friend also to learn, and after communicate to you people. They don't know much about this approach
Odd why would this video be popping up here?
All the protocols of going to court, dressing appropriately etc.... No offense to you personally at all, but i have so much experience now of lawyers not upholding the law and in my case of breaching fiduciary duties and indeed criminal acts by a solicitor/lawyer, I have no respect for the legal system. As his mates in the court system protect them, i have no respect for the courts now either. The legal system needs to be flushed of the criminals administering it for the sake of true law.
Well presented presentation though. I just wish the system was trustworthy.
CQV
The BAR attorneys
Yep. Now imagine being a male, wrong race, religion etc. quite falsely accused of being something domestically unpleasant, with evidence suppressed time after time, snd the court system forcing you to sing the hymn 'but you know, but you know that you love me!'; as they decimate (or shouldone say, dehumanise) your life, make your bestie your exxy, your kids orphans, your reputation and good character persona non grata, your abode a bare cell in dungeons forlorn, and justice a mirage in a sea of lore.
And honestly, that is not an exaggeration.
Anyways, point being, there is always someone worse off and always good fights to dig deep and fight. ✊🏽🇵🇸
Sir I suppose i need help with a restraining order against a female narcissist
Have you gotten one yet? If not you can go to the magistrate and petition one. Go to your local court and ask where you can find one.
Eyewitness testimony is the worst type of evidence.
Now please tell me WHAT IS THE SCIENTIFIC DEFINITION OF VISION. I am not talking about the definition of the word VISION but VISION in itself.
Do your own research never get legal advice from a BAR attorney
Thank you!