Q: When testifying as witness/victim can I answer “no comment” to judge or prosecutors questions?
I was last minute called into court to testify at my bfs hearing. I made an appearance but left and decided to wait until I get subpoenaed. It’s emotional for me, so I want to do minimal in front of judge..
A:
In general, witnesses must answer questions presented to them during sworn testimony and cannot simply refuse to answer. Your answers may be very short so long as they are responsive to the question. You may, however, avoid having to answer certain questions if you can cite a recognized legal privilege, such as the right against self-incrimination.
- Law Office of Joseph Abrams, Anaheim, CA
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
