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If you have been notified by the courts that you need to come in to testify as a witness to a crime or other event, you need to take it very seriously. Many people make the mistake of assuming that speaking as a witness is a minor task that can’t really cause any problems. The reality is, however, that witnesses have a variety of obligations to the court, and if you don’t meet them, it can cause serious legal problems. With this in mind, it is a good idea to secure an attorney to help you through this process. The following are some of the key reasons why having an attorney is important.
An Attorney Will Represent Your Interests
When you are acting as a witness, you will be dealing with two attorneys (the prosecution and the defense) each of whom have a legal obligation to do whatever is in the best interest of their client, even if this means attempting to trap you into a lie or spin your involvement in the event to appear differently than the truth. Having an attorney of your own will help protect your interests throughout this experience.
Protect You from Giving Too Much Information
While you always want to answer completely and truthfully, there is no advantage to oversharing with the courts. Sharing more information than is requested can put yourself at unnecessary legal risk, and if you happen to have an interest in the outcome of the case, sharing too much information can hurt the party you want to win. An attorney will help show you how to appropriately answer any questions you are asked.
Inaccurate Answers Can Cause You Legal Problems
If you provide inaccurate information to the courts, you can get into a lot of legal trouble. When you are a witness you will need to swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, and the courts take that very seriously. Having an attorney with you can help ensure you are answering honestly so the courts don’t think you are lying or withholding information.
An Attorney Will Help You Prepare
An attorney will know what types of questions you are likely to be asked based on the type of case you are a witness for. They can help you prepare for the questions ahead of time so you are more comfortable providing answers.
Make the Whole Process Easier
Finally, an attorney can help you understand what to expect when serving as a witness, they can answer any questions you may have, and they can really help you to feel more at ease. Many people are quite nervous when appearing in court, and an attorney can help eliminate some of that anxiety. If you would like to speak with an attorney about your situation as a witness, please contact us to schedule a consultation today.
Weisberg Kainen Mark, PL
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