The Role of Character Witnesses in Criminal Cases
Witness testimony is an integral part of the criminal justice system. The role they play in uncovering the truth about a criminal case cannot be overemphasized.
A survey reveals that verdicts in over 75,000 criminal cases are primarily influenced by the testimony or statement of a witness. The best criminal defense lawyers do not fail to leverage this tool to influence the outcome of a trial.
Understanding the role of a character witness is crucial if you are facing criminal charges, as there are high chances that they may turn the case in your favor.
Who is a Character Witness?
A character witness is an individual who provides assessments and statements addressing the character of the defendant. A character witness is usually called upon to provide information or recount specific stories about the character and background of the defendant.
Oftentimes, a character witness is someone from the defendant’s family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, or religious representatives.
It is believed that these people have known the defendant for an extended period of time. Therefore, they are able to provide an informed perspective on the defendant’s character and positive attributes.
The information provided helps in validating the defendant’s honor and supporting the positive narrative already built around the defendant.
The Right to a Character Witness
In criminal cases, the overall character of the defendant is often taken into consideration by the members of the jury and the judge when determining and declaring verdicts and penalties.
For this reason, defendants are always allowed to provide evidence or a testament to their good character. This right is provided under common law and is only available to defendants.
In most cases, prosecutors are not allowed to use character evidence without obtaining prior permission.
Just because you have this right does not mean that it should be explored at all times. As beneficial as it is, bringing up a character witness comes with a risk.
You’ll be giving your prosecution the opportunity to explore that option (counter the evidence) and thus provide evidence of your potential poor character.
You should seek proper counsel from your defense attorney on the possible implications of inviting one.
Benefits of Having a Character Witness?
As a defendant, the impact of your relationship within your immediate or extended community can make all the difference in a criminal defense case. Having someone show up in court to testify about your behavior and character comes with countless benefits.
Any member of your community can appear during your trial as a character witness. They testify to the respect and admiration you have earned in the community over the years.
Their statements can counter that the offense you’re accused of is considered out of character by others in the community.
A character witness may also reassure the court that, despite the criminal offense, the community you’ve influenced continues to be in support of you. When properly presented, this tool can go a long way in mitigating the charges against defendants and influencing the decision in their favor.
How to Use Character Witnesses
Not everyone can be a character witness. There are certain requirements that an individual must meet before becoming a character witness.
- A character witness should possess some level of integrity before the court. They should also not have a history of criminal convictions.
- The information provided by a character must be relevant to the particular accusations made against the defendant.
- Character witnesses are expected to be as truthful as possible in their testimony.
- Character witnesses must have a relationship or some sort of acquaintance with the defendant.
- Character witnesses must be adequately prepared before their appearances in court.
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The Role of Character Witnesses in Criminal Cases