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Tips for Testifying in Illinois

Written by: Michael J. Helfand

Reputation Level 16

Lawsuits

Posted over 2 years ago. Applies to Illinois, 0 helpful votes, 0 comments

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Be honest

Answer all questions honestly. And don't embellish. Doing either of these things will most likely come back to bite you. It can hurt your case by ruining your credibility and opening yourself up to even more questions. Even a small lie or exaggeration can get out of hand quickly. If you don't know the answer to a question, say you don't understand. If you can't remember, state that you can't remember.

Be concise

Your answers should be as concise as possible. The more you say, the more chances you give the other attorney to ask additional questions. You also run the risk of saying something that could hurt your case. Take a second to understand the question before answering. This will prevent you from answering the wrong question or going on and on in your answer. Listen to what you're being asked. It's often a simple yes or no question. Keep it at that.

Be prepared

Go over all possible questions with your attorney. It's ok to rehearse. On the day of your testimony, dress appropriately. And during questioning, speak up. You don't want to waste time repeating yourself or risk being misunderstood.

Relax

Finally, relax. Most testimony is fairly routine. A lot of other things might be going on in court around you. Be patient and when it's your turn, take your time. If you still feel nervous, consider having a friend or relative come with you and sit in the courtroom.

Additional Resources

If you have additional questions about testifying in an Illinois court case, or need other legal guidance, feel free to contact us. We'll give you an honest assessment of your situation and recommend an experienced attorney if you need one. 1-800-517-1614.

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