At Tad Nelson & Associates, we commit ourselves to scrutinizing every element of the prosecution’s case against our clients. This is especially true when witnesses are involved. We take numerous actions to uncover inconsistencies, biases, and ulterior motives that might taint a witness’s testimony.
Understanding how to challenge these witnesses effectively can make the difference between a conviction and an acquittal.
When you’re fighting for your life and your right to remain free, you’ll need a legal team that knows how to handle itself on a criminal case. If there’s witnesses, your lawyers better know how to go on offense.
Here’s how we do it.
Understanding Witness Credibility
The credibility of a witness defines the trustworthiness of their testimony. Prosecutors often rely on witness testimony to build their cases. However, witnesses are not always reliable.
Some so-called “witnesses” have personal biases. Others misremember events, and some are motivated by self-interest. Identifying these factors can be a major component of undermining the DA’s case.
Cross-Examination Techniques
Cross-examination is where we get to directly engage the state’s witnesses. Attorneys Tad Nelson and Amber Spurlock are exceptional at using incisive questioning to reveal inconsistencies in their statements.
During this process, we focus on:
- Prior Inconsistent Statements: If a witness has made statements in the past that contradict their current testimony, it can cast doubt on their reliability. During our investigations, we review previous depositions, police reports, and any other records we can find.
- Bias and Motive: If a witness has a personal stake in the case, we’ll need to know about it. This “motive” could be a grudge against the defendant. It might even be a desire to curry favor with law enforcement. There could also be other motives that can influence their testimony.
- Character and Reputation: A witness’s character can impact their credibility in the eyes of a jury. During the preparation phases of our defense strategy, we’ll investigate their background for any criminal history. If they have a disreputable background, we’ll use this information to our advantage.
Impeachment by Evidence
Impeachment is the process of calling into question the credibility of a witness. We employ several techniques to achieve this as outlined in the list below.
- Contradictory Evidence: Presenting evidence that contradicts the witness’s testimony is an effective way to impeach a witness. Evidence could be physical, documentation, or other witness testimonies.
- Prior Convictions: Under Texas Rule of Evidence 609, a witness’s previous criminal convictions can be used to impeach their credibility. A Rule 609 impeachment is more effective if the offense was a crime of moral turpitude.
- Demonstrating Bias: As mentioned, showcasing any potential bias a witness may have can be powerful in court. Their motives to testify against you could be financial, romantic, or something else that might sour their objectivity.
Expert Witnesses in Criminal Trials
Sometimes, challenging a witness’s credibility requires calling on expert witnesses. These experts can provide testimony on several issues, as outlined below.
- Psychological Assessments: An expert in psychology might assess a witness’s mental state, memory reliability, or susceptibility to suggestion.
- Forensic Experts: These experts can analyze evidence. They can also provide testimony that contradicts the witness’s statements. They might be used to point out discrepancies in forensic reports or inconsistencies with physical evidence.
Leveraging Texas Law and the Constitution
The Texas Rules of Evidence and the Constitution of the United States provide a framework for challenging witness credibility.
For instance, the Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to confront one’s accuser. This amendment forms the basis for effective cross-examination.
Additionally, the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure outlines the procedures for impeaching witnesses.
Utilizing Prior Case Law
We may also use case law.
Certain legal precedents can give us a roadmap for challenging witness credibility. Cases such as Crawford v. Washington underscore the importance of cross-examination and affirming the rights of the accused.
Real-World Examples
In a recent case, our law firm represented a man accused of aggravated robbery in Houston.
The prosecution’s snitch had a history of drug abuse along with a criminal history. In the past, they even lied to law enforcement.
By presenting evidence of this so-called witness’s prior inconsistencies and criminal background, their credibility was questionable. At the end of the day, it helped us get our client acquitted of the charge.
The Importance of Thorough Investigation
A successful challenge to a witness’s credibility starts with a thorough investigation. At Tad Nelson & Associates, we leave no stone unturned.
We take great pains to gather evidence. We do the groundwork to interview witnesses. If necessary, we’ll consult experts to build a comprehensive defense strategy for our clients. Our goal is to create reasonable doubt in the minds of the jury. The only way to get this done is by leveraging every possible angle to discredit unreliable witnesses.
Facing Prosecution in the Houston Area?
Contact Tad Nelson & Associates Today!
If you’re facing criminal charges in Houston, Galveston, or the Greater Houston area, having a skilled defense team on your side can make all the difference. Don’t put your life in the hands of an unproven defense lawyer.
Let us help you!
At Tad Nelson & Associates, we’re committed to providing effective legal representation to our clients. If you need our help, contact us today at 713-802-1631 to schedule your free consultation with our defense team.
