Each witness who takes the stand in your reckless driving case will promise to tell the truth, but not every witness will be reliable. Whether the witness is testifying against you or in support of your defense, you are going to want to assess that witness’s reliability because it could have a significant impact on the outcome of your case.
What Makes a Witness Reliable?
A witness is reliable when a witness is trustworthy. This may mean that:
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There isn’t other evidence that contradicts the witness’s testimony.
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The witness does not have a bias or a motivation to be untruthful.
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The witness is consistent, confident, and knowledgeable.
If all of these things are true, then the witness may be considered credible and the witness’s testimony may be considered reliable in your case.
Witness Testimony Is Not the Only Evidence Important in a Reckless Driving Case
Credibility or reliability can make or break a witness. However, witness testimony is not the only evidence that will be important to your reckless driving case. Other evidence that could impact your claim include things like:
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Photo or video footage.
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Information from police speed detection equipment.
All of the evidence will be at least as important to your defense as witness testimony.
Be Prepared Before Your Reckless Driving Case Goes to Trial
Your reckless driving defense lawyer will assess witness credibility. If it is a witness who may testify on your behalf, then your lawyer may only allow a reliable witness to take the stand. If it is a witness who is testifying for the government, then your lawyer will be prepared to discredit the witness or call into question the witness’s credibility which will weaken the government’s case against you.
Determining witness credibility is an important part of preparing your reckless driving defense. For more tips on preparing for your defense, please browse our website or contact us directly for a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced reckless driving lawyer.
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