CHOOSE YOUR WITNESSES CAREFULLY

I admit it, I love this video.  Common's smooth flow and Taraji's cunning get me every time.  I find myself singing, "Please let me testify.."  However, as an attorney, I have a much different reaction.  In a trial, I don't like surprises.  I especially don't like emotional Moms, Dads, girlfriends and family.  They can turn a good case into a disaster.  I often ask a client if they have a witness.  It is usually hard if that witness is close to the Defendant.  Why, you ask?  It's because of the emotion.  Emotion can sink a case.  So, when your lawyer asks your best friend to turn down the crying and yelling, it is not about hating, it is about protecting your case.  Juries need to hear a calm and rational explanation of the facts.