Preparing Your Client to Testify Before a Grand Jury

Depending on the jurisdiction, if your client has been arrested or is the subject of an ongoing government investigation, they may have a right or opportunity to testify before a grand jury on their own behalf. Making a sworn statement or testifying in any proceeding is a serious event that requires guidance from a skilled attorney. For a criminal defendant or a target of a government investigation, there may be no higher-stakes situation than testifying before a grand jury. A successful outcome may result in the dismissal or reduction of criminal charges or the conclusion of an investigation without criminal charges ever being filed. On the other hand, a negative result could not only lead to an indictment or other instrument being filed against your client but also possible perjury or obstruction of justice charges against them. 

This course, presented by Andrew M. J. Bernstein, Leader of Sichenzia Ross Ference LLP's White-Collar Defense and Investigations Practice, will cover how to effectively prepare a client, who is either a defendant in a criminal case or a target of a government investigation, to testify before a grand jury.

This program will benefit criminal defense practitioners who represent clients facing pre-indictment felony charges or individuals or corporations who are the target of a grand jury investigation. Additionally, the skills taught in this course are valuable to any lawyer who may need to prepare a client to make a sworn statement or give sworn testimony in any type of proceeding.

Learning Objectives:

1. Review the possible ramifications and consequences any time a client gives a sworn statement or testifies under oath, and the importance of honesty and good faith
2. Gauge the honesty, accuracy, and "believability" of what your client has to say
3. Discuss the importance of credibility, and your client's appearance and presentation
4. Effectively prepare your client to testify honestly while providing the grand jury with the facts that are consistent with their legal defense or their narrative of the events
5. Employ useful techniques and methods while preparing your client testify without "over prepping"