Court advice

[Scared231]

I got to go support my DP in court. I have never had to stand in court before so wondering how I address the judge. How do I handle the prosecution that may twist what I say?

I honestly wonder if anyone had to go court how they handled it?

I can't go into the case but let's just say I am the one who basically got to fight his corner. Apart from barrister I feel pressured I just don't think I can do this. If it goes wrong don't want to be blamed for not saying enough.

Any tips?

Keep your answers brief and to the point. Ask for a break or water if you need one. Be honest. Telling the truth gives you the upper hand ime.
Ignore the room and focus on the one asking the questions
. Hand on heart is your dh innocent?

You should really speak to his legal team. The form of address differs in different courts (presume given you've said prosecution it may be criminal) and also who you are before.

I always give the advice answer the question you're asked without going off on a tangent but you really need professional advice with the benefit of knowing the case.

@Pumpkinpatchlookinggood it may just be phrasing but "telling the truth" isn't optional - lying under oath is perjury and can be punished by imprisonment. It isn't a tactic, you MUST tell the truth.

If you are a McKenzie friend you will not say a word, if a witness they will run through it with you. If you are a witness I would wonder why DPS legal team have not run through this with you

DD had to attend court recently as a victim and SIL as a witness to the event. The court were so helpful on the day!

There was a court usher who we could always ask questions and another man, I think he was some kind of victim/witness support, who explained absolutely everything to us on the day. He showed us a map of the courtroom and explained where everyone would be sitting, and where we should walk, how we should act etc. Both me and DD's MIL attended as support for our DC and we were allowed to stay with them whilst they were 'backstage'. I could not have been more impressed with the way it was run tbh.

Very nerve-racking ahead of time though. I know both DD and SIL thought afterwards that they should have said this, or been more explicit about x, y or z, and I imagine that is common (guilty verdict so must have been fine). As pp have said, just answer the question you are asked; your side's barrister will question you again if they think something needs clarifying.

One thing we really didn't think through in advance was the security process needed to actually get inside the court building. They will literally check everything you have with you. Make you drink a bit of any liquids and hold anything they deem to be a risk (I mean who doesn't keep a glass nail file in their bag!). When DD went back for the sentencing they took the minimum cash, card and keys with them.

I will speak to the barrister tommorow. Not sure I can do this very nervous.

I think we have a good case to beat the court if the prosecution don't twist what I say. This whole thing could of made me split from him but chose to support him through this.

I am very worried about us if it don't go our way.

I honestly feel like running away today can't face it.

Are you afraid of him?

You mention that you don’t want to be blamed for not saying enough.

Why would he blame you under the circumstances? That sounds very concerning.

My dh was charged with assault a few years ago i witnessed what happened and everything was blown out of proportion ,i was a witness for the defence ,on the first day of the trial my dh barrister talked us through evrtyhting ,but the prosecution had nothing ,the case waa resolved before the trial began ,the prosecution basically accepted my dh was teling the truth .

I didn't suggest telling the truth I said it gives you the upper hand.

When I had to go to court as a witness, I was shown around the court room first by a volunteer and told how to address people/what not to do. They were really kind, answered lots of questions and in the end, my statement was taken as enough and I didn't even have to take the stand. They sat with me the whole time and gave me some numbers to contact afterwards if I needed to talk it through with anyone.

It was horribly horribly nerve wracking on the day, and I didn't sleep for a few nights before but it was far less of a worry in reality than in my head.

Not scared of DP just this whole situation really annoying me.

I told him I will do all I can whatever the decision is they make after nothing I can do.

It just falls to me more than him. I didn't get myself in this mess he did. I do feel resentful to him.

I am not confident speaking out loud and honestly don't feel I can do this at all. Very nervous need to go over this soon. This second time now and last time they didn't ask me so we have to go again.

What a big test tommorow will be then the decision and told my DP don't think I want to go back again.

He not forcing but something I really need to face just very hard.

I have health issues apart of me wishes I just couldn't go. But would be letting him down I just need to get over being nervous.
This needs to be done and over with.