After being charged with a criminal offense, you might feel compelled to tell your side of the story to anyone who will listen. Though you may be aware of the dangers associated with talking to the police, you might think that testifying under oath about the alleged events will be compelling evidence that’ll lead to your acquittal. But the truth is that testifying in your own defense can be just as risky, and it’s certainly not as safe as you might think.
Why testifying in your defense could be dangerous
If you decide to take the stand in your criminal case, then you’re going to face some issues that could end up playing against you. This includes:
- Being subjected to aggressive cross-examination.
- Being forced to tell the truth.
- Coming across in a way that is off-putting to the jury.
- Allowing the defense to present character evidence that could jeopardize your credibility.
- Putting yourself at unnecessary risk of saying the wrong thing when your story can be told through other evidence.
There’s simply too much at stake in your criminal case to take unnecessary risks. That’s why before deciding to testify in your own defense, you should speak with your attorney about the risks and potential rewards of doing so in your unique set of circumstances. Hopefully then you can make the fully informed decision that’s right for you.
There are a lot of details and technicalities that have to be addressed to create a persuasive criminal defense. If you cut corners or misinterpret the importance of some of them, then you could wind up facing an otherwise avoidable conviction. So, as you embark to develop your criminal defense legal strategy, be sure to take a comprehensive approach to fighting the prosecution’s case.