I will be as vague as possible. A person I know is going through a horrid divorce. The divorce trial was scheduled but got moved. The ex wife pressed criminal charges by filing domestic violence. Now there is a criminal trial first. I believe they are not true due to the context but I’m wondering the truth. I’m supposed to be a character witness and I’m terrified. I will be cross examined. What if it happened and I’m defending an abuser. What would you do??
Edit: sorry wrong post
Yeah it’s tough but if I’m being put in the spot to be a reliable witness and I don’t know the context then I’m buying out and saying so. But. If your connected too them then you what do you think about hearing all the details and going through that process etc…? Would that affect your opinion ?
I’m not even sure what I would do but if your hesitant I’d be loath to go through all that process…It would be so hard for me to sit through a trial in the first place!
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Usually criminal charges get dropped. I wouldn’t worry too much. Just say what u know. That’s all u can do
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I’ve been asked to be a character witness exactly twice.
I declined both times.
No one can force you to be a character witness.
(You can be subpoenaed but only in the odd, rare case)
You agreed to it despite having a bias already.
Go in and just tell what you know and check your opinions at the door.
Being a character witness doesn’t leave the weight of a trial on your shoulders alone.
It’s up to the jury (or judge depending) to just take what you said into account.
Tell the truth and let them figure it out.
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Mind fuc ked I would be
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if charles foster is right , don’t do it if you don’t have to.
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Can you ask to be excused?
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The thing is,
Attorneys don’t want reluctant character witnesses.
It doesn’t help anyone.
Ask to step down if it’s that big a deal.
I feel like that would work.
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Yeah get out if it if your that uncomfortable
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Yeah it’s for a sibling so I feel obligated to do it. The DV charges are completely new after I said I would be a witness. The divorce trial not the criminal trial was what I was asked to be in. It’s in a different country so there is that, too.
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I’ve seen both ends of this, one family being abused by someone they had to get away from via divorce, and another where the woman lied constantly about the ex husband and said he was abusive when he never raised a hand to her.
I would just represent whoever’s side you’re on and then move on.
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It’s interesting you can be a witness in a court case that’s held in a different country.
Didn’t know that was a thing.
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