Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Re: Character witness in a sexual battery case?

Whether and how the D.A. will try to discredit you will depend upon your background and your familiarity with the defendant. She may try to show that you don't really know the defendant that well and that some things you don't know about her would change your opinion. Also, if you have committed certain types of crimes that fact may be used to impeach your credibility. Your desire to help your friend will probably also be offered as a reason the jury should doubt your testimony. If I knew more about you and the case I might be able to anticipate other ground the D.A. might use.