What Should I Tell My Lawyer?
This kind of detail is most helpful to your lawyer:
(A) What you ate for lunch that day
(B) Whether someone else was present
(C) If your neighbor once annoyed you
Whether someone else was present
In court, you should speak when:
(A) You feel like it
(B) Your lawyer tells you to
(C) The judge calls on you
The judge calls on you
True or False: You must always testify in your case.
False
If a person tells their lawyer something that isn’t true, even by mistake, the result might be:
Their lawyer could make decisions that don’t help the case
Role-play how to tell your lawyer you don’t remember a detail.
Something like, “I don’t remember everything, but here’s what I do know…”
If you don’t remember everything about the day of the incident, the best thing to do is:
Tell your lawyer what you do remember and be honest about what you don’t?
If you feel nervous or overwhelmed in court, one good strategy is:
Take deep breaths and talk to your lawyer when you need support
Before deciding to testify, you should talk with your attorney about:
Whether it helps or hurts your case and if you’re ready to speak clearly?
Why is it helpful to think ahead about what might happen in court?
So you’re prepared for different outcomes and can make good choices
Show what it looks like to wait quietly and respectfully in a courtroom.
Sitting calmly, not talking, eyes forward, waiting for your name to be called.
Why is it important to be truthful with your attorney?
Because they can’t help you properly if they don’t have the full, accurate picture
Stress in court can cause a person to:
Have trouble focusing, become agitated, or act out?
Why is it important to stay on topic when testifying?
Because the court needs to hear relevant, understandable information
How does insight help you work better with your lawyer?
It helps you understand what’s relevant, ask better questions, and follow advice?
Act out asking a lawyer or judge to repeat a question you didn’t understand.
“I’m sorry, can you repeat that?” or “I don’t understand the question.”
You remember something about your case that seems embarrassing or scary. What should you do?
Still share it with your attorney—they are there to help you, not judge you.
If something upsetting happens in court, the best way to handle it is:
Stay calm, don’t react in the moment, and talk to your lawyer after?
What does it mean to testify relevantly?
Staying focused on the question and only talking about what matters to the case
Why does courtroom behavior matter to your case outcome?
Because judges and juries notice how you act and it affects your credibility
Demonstrate what to do if you hear something upsetting in court.
Pause, take a breath, stay seated, and talk to your lawyer afterward.
If a person gives their lawyer information that isn’t accurate (even by accident), what could happen?
The lawyer might make choices or give advice that doesn’t fully help the case
Why is it important to stay calm and respectful in front of the judge and jury?
Because your behavior affects how people in court see you and your case?
Someone starts rambling or sharing unrelated details while testifying. This might mean:
They may need help staying focused so their testimony is clear and relevant
Why is it important to think before answering a question in court?
To make sure your answer is accurate, clear, and helpful to your case
Practice giving a short, clear answer about where you were during an event, even if unsure.
“I don’t remember the exact time, but I think I was at my friend’s house.”