10 Tips to Successfully Testify in a DUI Bench Trial
In the State of New Jersey drunk driving charges are tried before a judge without the presence of a jury. This type of trial is known as a bench trial. Similar to a jury trial, the most effective witness in a bench trial is the defendant himself.
However, in order for the defendant to present the best testimony and convince the judge that he or she is not guilty of the underlying drunk driving charges, the best testimony must be given. As such before taking the stand, it is imperative that the defendant is well prepared and confident about the facts of the case.
The Important Tips to Remember
In order to successfully testify at your DUI bench trial, your DUI attorney may ask you to consider the ten following important tips:
It is normal to be anxious or nervous about taking the stand before the judge at your DUI bench trial. Your attorney may even advise you to convey these feelings to the judge and prosecutor. This may explain certain behaviors while on the stand.
These are only some of the most important tips that you may want to consider when taking the stand at your DWI bench trial. Your attorney will go over the facts of your case and provide you with more detailed and specific advice in advance of your trial.
Contact an Experienced DWI Lawyer
If you or a loved one was arrested on drunk driving charges, please call New Jersey DWI lawyer Dan Matrafajlo at 908-248-4404 for a free consultation.
However, in order for the defendant to present the best testimony and convince the judge that he or she is not guilty of the underlying drunk driving charges, the best testimony must be given. As such before taking the stand, it is imperative that the defendant is well prepared and confident about the facts of the case.
The Important Tips to Remember
In order to successfully testify at your DUI bench trial, your DUI attorney may ask you to consider the ten following important tips:
It is normal to be anxious or nervous about taking the stand before the judge at your DUI bench trial. Your attorney may even advise you to convey these feelings to the judge and prosecutor. This may explain certain behaviors while on the stand.
- You should always carefully listen to any question that you are asked prior to answering it.
- If you do not understand the question asked by the judge or prosecutor, ask for further clarification.
- Only answer the question that is asked. Never provide more information than necessary.
- Pause a few seconds before answering a question. This brief moment will provide you with time to really think about the question and your answer before responding.
- If you do not know the answer to a question, do not attempt to make up an answer. Instead, respond with a simple, "I don't know."
- Do not be afraid to show your emotions. This is both an important and necessary part of a DWI trial.
- Be as specific as possible with the facts you provide.
- Be polite and courteous to the prosecutor, judge and the court personnel.
- If you need to take a break, take one!
These are only some of the most important tips that you may want to consider when taking the stand at your DWI bench trial. Your attorney will go over the facts of your case and provide you with more detailed and specific advice in advance of your trial.
Contact an Experienced DWI Lawyer
If you or a loved one was arrested on drunk driving charges, please call New Jersey DWI lawyer Dan Matrafajlo at 908-248-4404 for a free consultation.
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