I have had to give a few sworn depositions and also testified in court on a few occasions. An attorney once told me to answer "yes" or "no" to all the questions asked and wait. The other attorney is hoping you will rattle on and he will expand his line of questions based on your reply while I already know your answer and will follow-up with the appropriate next question.
Years later when I was still using the advice the first attorney gave me the next one complimented me about how well I handled the situation. I told him about the advice the 1st attorney gave me. He liked it so much that he started to use it when he explained the legal process to other clients.
It kind of goes against human nature to shut up when you have the spotlight but you will be better off doing so.
Originally Posted by: wpr
One has to wonder how good the 2nd attorney actually was if he didn't already know that advice. Never offer more than asked for.
If you are asked "when was the last time you were at that location?"
you don't say "last Thursday the 18th of August about 10:45 PM"
you say "last Thursday" and let them ask more questions if they want more specifics.
them- " Last Thursday, the 18th of August?"
you- "yes"
them- "what time "
you- "sometime after 10 PM"
them - "can you be more specific"
you- I looked at my watch at 10:00 pm. It was sometime after that"
them- "how long after that"
you- "I don't know"