Witness Services:

Services:

As a witness you are doing a service for your community. The following services are provided mainly for Trial Court to make your appearance as convenient as possible.

• Help witnesses solve problems caused by appearing in Court
  
• Tell witnesses of delay in the trial or if they will not be needed
  
• Place witnesses on call when possible to avoid waiting
  
• Take the witness from the waiting room to the Courtroom at the time he or she is needed
  
• Help in payment of witness fees
  • A witness will receive $6.00 for each half day and $12.00 for each full day that he/she is called to testify. These amounts are set by law.

If you are required to appear in Court as a witness:

• Tell The Truth
  • The single most important item of advice is to tell the truth.
    
    
• Dress Appropriately
  • It is not necessary to wear a suit.
  • It is important to present yourself as respectably as possible in court.
  • Dress appropriately; court is a formal setting and witnesses should dress accordingly.
    
    
• Be Prepared
  • Think about the answers you will give to the questions you will probably be asked.
    
    
• Stick To The Facts
  • The Judge wants to hear only the facts as you know them to be, not what someone else told you.
    
    
• Relax, Speak Clearly
  • You have nothing to fear when giving truthful answers.
  • When you are asked questions, give the Judge your answer as clearly as possible.
    
    
• Do Not Get Frustrated
  • If you don't understand a question, ask that it be repeated.
  • State your answers clearly.
  • Some questions might seem repetitive or irrelevant, but the attorneys are doing their job, and your job as a witness is to answer their questions to the best of your ability.
  • Try to keep your composure on the stand even if frustration starts to set in.
    

If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact our office at (989) 772-0911 ext. 311.