Community Chat

[Anniecamp]

Yes I have, twice. Madisson, remember, answering "I do not know", or "I don't know" is a perfectly valid answer. Do not assume that you need to answer a question that you do not really have an answer for. Also, as others have said, whenever possible, yes or no, or I don't know. For questions that need a longer answer, keep it short. My best to you. It's a hassle, and you'll be glad when it's over, but you'll be alright.

[NAES1]

Dress code and what I wore at the bottom.

Yes. I kept a document trail for a very good friend whose family member had fallen from a nursing home bed on day 19 from the time the patient entered the facility. The night nurse, along with the so called nurse assistants did not check the patient from 10pm until 3am in the following day, so the patient fell out sliding from the bed rails down to the bottom and landed on to the floor breaking 2 ribs and 1 toe. The patient was completely bedridden and called for help. No one came to the patien't rescue. The bed #2 patient rang over and over for the nurse on night shift. She put the patient directly back in bed and said to the patient 'you are okay , then left'. The patient in bed #2 was witness to everything.

No one at the He *art *LLandd called the doctor, nor took responsilbility in having a Xray made or closing up broken skin. This was done by the family member upon coming for a visit at 7am that morning.

This was done with the (name here)_**'s Board of Health being put on the witness stand with their lawyers. There was a nurse who was witness to the (their) SOP policy, which was not provided. I did not work there.

When the trial was to commense the State Board of Health lost the witness, not in death but could not find him within the unit where he lived.

I wore a long denim dress and answered only yes or no. There is no set dress code for being a witness. Only the truth!

_Naes

[Madisson]

On 1/4/2015 Anniecamp said:

Yes I have, twice. Madisson, remember, answering "I do not know", or "I don't know" is a perfectly valid answer. Do not assume that you need to answer a question that you do not really have an answer for. Also, as others have said, whenever possible, yes or no, or I don't know. For questions that need a longer answer, keep it short. My best to you. It's a hassle, and you'll be glad when it's over, but you'll be alright.

Thank you, Anniecamp. I expect a lot of open-ended questions. I do not have all the answers, so I will remember to say, "I do not know." I'm trying to anticipate some of the questions, and I'm trying to think of succinct answers. I'm not going to offer anything that isn't absolutely necessary.

[Lipstickdiva]

I was subpoenaed once in a criminal matter but thank goodness, the Defendant pled out. I was terrified as I firmly believe the defendant was in a gang and the shooting was gang related.

[Kalli]

I agree that you should only answer what you are asked and be very brief. No extra info should be added.

My brother's job has placed him in court many times to testify. Here's something he said he does to slow the pace of questioning and to give himself time to relax and respond:

The atty asks my brother a question and he stops to think. Then he slowly reaches for a glass and pours himself some water from the pitcher sitting there. He slowly brings the glass up to his mouth but right before he goes to take a sip, he puts it down. Then he answers.

He said he never actually sips the water because you never know how long it's been there. But this allows him to take his time and choose his words carefully so he's not nervous. Knowing him, he also probably does it to bug the questioning atty because sometimes this forces them repeat the question. haha Still, you have the right to take your time and answer thoughtfully.

-Kalli

[Plaid Pants]

On 1/5/2015 Kalli said:

I agree that you should only answer what you are asked and be very brief. No extra info should be added.

My brother's job has placed him in court many times to testify. Here's something he said he does to slow the pace of questioning and to give himself time to relax and respond:

The atty asks my brother a question and he stops to think. Then he slowly reaches for a glass and pours himself some water from the pitcher sitting there. He slowly brings the glass up to his mouth but right before he goes to take a sip, he puts it down. Then he answers.

He said he never actually sips the water because you never know how long it's been there. But this allows him to take his time and choose his words carefully so he's not nervous. Knowing him, he also probably does it to bug the questioning atty because sometimes this forces them repeat the question. haha Still, you have the right to take your time and answer thoughtfully.

-Kalli

If he never drinks the water, what happens when the glass is full?

I'm just curious.

[kittymomNC]

When I was much younger I had to testify in an assault case I witnessed. I was only a few feet away from it. I was told to give my story as detailed as I could remember it (and I could never forget it!), and then was asked a few more questions. Then I watched the defendant sit there and lie through his teeth - but he was convicted anyway!

I was so scared I have no idea what I wore!

[NYC Susan]

I'm sure the attorney will tell you only to answer exactly what is asked. Don't elaborate. I'm a talker, so that was the hardest part for me. A "yes" or "no" question requires a simple yes or no. And answer anything else that is asked as simply as possible. "Did you see the car?" Requires a yes or no, that's all. "Where was it?" requires "in the parking lot", not "in the parking lot, but it looked like he was leaving." Don't give them any more than they ask. That's pretty basic stuff, and I think all attorneys advise people in that way.

And you can say that you don't remember. Or that you don't know. But again, just say those words, nothing more.

I've testified and I wore black. No one told me anything about what to wear or not wear, but I think you should follow the attorney's advice.

The other thing to remember is not to get emotional. I don't know how emotionally invested you are in the case, but no matter what happens or what anyone else says, stay in control. (No screaming, no yelling, no gasping - In other words, don't be like some QVC hosts!) :-)

eta: I just wanted to add that I understand why you're nervous. But just remember that your friend's attorney will be right there and will come to your aid or object if need be. All you have to do is answer questions to the best of your knowledge. This is just another day at work for your friend's attorney, and he won't leave you hanging or let anything go wrong.

[Kalli]

On 1/5/2015 Plaid Pants said:

On 1/5/2015 Kalli said:

I agree that you should only answer what you are asked and be very brief. No extra info should be added.

My brother's job has placed him in court many times to testify. Here's something he said he does to slow the pace of questioning and to give himself time to relax and respond:

The atty asks my brother a question and he stops to think. Then he slowly reaches for a glass and pours himself some water from the pitcher sitting there. He slowly brings the glass up to his mouth but right before he goes to take a sip, he puts it down. Then he answers.

He said he never actually sips the water because you never know how long it's been there. But this allows him to take his time and choose his words carefully so he's not nervous. Knowing him, he also probably does it to bug the questioning atty because sometimes this forces them repeat the question. haha Still, you have the right to take your time and answer thoughtfully.

-Kalli

If he never drinks the water, what happens when the glass is full?

I'm just curious.

Plaid Pants, Good question! I'll have to ask him. Not sure how many times during each separate testimony he does this. But it's funny to hear him tell it.

He's a perfectionist. I think it's a way of letting the attys know they won't be rolling over him or making him nervous. He's going to take his time and his answers will be thoughtful and correct.

Court dynamics...gotta luv it, eh?

-Kalli