When
you are called to testify, you will be asked to answer questions under oath. You will be
asked to raise your right hand and swear (or affirm) to tell the truth. You should reply
in a loud, clear voice, "Yes" or "I do". You may then take the witness
stand.
The assistant prosecutor will be the first to ask you
questions and then the defense attorney (except at the Grand Jury phase) will follow with
additional questions. The judge or the jury will need to hear the facts as you know them.
The single most important item of advice is to TELL THE TRUTH!
Witnesses are generally not allowed in the courtroom
while other witnesses testify. You will be asked to remain outside the courtroom until you
are called upon to testify. The court / jury wants to hear the facts as you know them to
be. Your recollection of the facts might be affected if you heard others testify about the
same events.
