going to court. what to expect?

Question

alright im going to court against this guy for rape what exactly will go down. im 15 hes 18. helpp.

Answer 1

~~~make sure your parents are there with you, along with your lawyer of course. Dress accordingly. When the judge speaks to you , speak so he can here you, and speak clearly. Never intrupt anyone else who is talking. Show the judge that you are respectfull. (no matter how much someone tries to put you on the spot to make you look bad) always hold your own and keep your cool. Those with outburst in court, thats a no no. Show the judge that your the one with a good head on her shoulders and are the mature one. Just dont give in to anyone accusuing you of anything. Say yes/no "your honor" trust me on that one.....good luck,,,,,

Answer 2

The previous post was correct, the DA/prosecutor should be the one coaching you in this!

First, I'm guessing it's a jury trial?

There's opening statements. In which, each attorney sets the scene, it may tell a summary of what they hope to prove. Or they might just tell like a prologue of the story that happened. Depends on the lawyer.

The defense (the guy) will probably go first and tell his side of the story. Then the prosecutor will ask him a bunch of questions. It's called cross-examination. He may or may not actually go up on the stand and testify. Also, there may or may not be other witnesses called to help his story.

Then you go. The prosecutor will ask you a bunch of questions. And then his attorney will do the cross examination on you. And there may or may not be other witnesses for your side. I guess my encouragement here is to think about talking to whomever asked you the question. Forget about the guy, the lawyers, the judge, everyone. Just answer the question to the person who asked it and answer truthfully, no matter what!

Then it's closing statements, which reminds everyone what happened during the trial.

Then it's time for the jury to go deliberate, which means they talk about the case and decide how it should be settled. Or if there's no jury, the judge goes and thinks about it for awhile.

I think that's it, a pretty basic run-down of the process.

Good luck!

Answer 3

The prosecutor and your parents should be preparing you! Tell your parents you want more meetings with the prosecutors office!

Basically, you need to stick to facts, and listen to each question carefully as possible and think about your answer before you say anything. Tell the truth even if it makes you look bad, but do not volunteer information they did not ask for unless you have been instructed by your lawyer.

Answer 4

Someone in the prosecutor's office should have been interviewing you and preparing for your testimony. If not, call the DA and ask for an appointment.