As a witness in any criminal or civil case, you have the right to either give your testimony or refuse to testify. In the law, the testimony of a witness is prescribed both as an oral report on the circumstances related to the case under consideration, and in writing, made during the interrogation and recorded in the protocol in the manner prescribed by law.
Instructions
Step 1
Of course, there is a legal penalty for giving false testimony against a witness, as well as for refusing to testify. Moreover, before any interrogation, you should be warned about this responsibility and explained your rights and obligations. But even the law provides for exceptional cases that allow you to refuse to testify. For example, no one can force you to testify against yourself or your loved ones.
Step 2
If you have already given testimony, and then wanted to give others or refuse them altogether, then this will automatically mean that in one of the cases your testimony was deliberately false, therefore, in theory, you can be prosecuted for this.
Step 3
But in practice, it is not uncommon for a witness to give false testimony. And in very rare cases, this is followed by criminal liability. It is rather an insurance "horror story" for adults. Therefore, if you changed your testimony, then the court, at its discretion, can use any of this information, both primary and secondary.
Step 4
In order to give new testimony or even refuse testimony altogether, wait until you are called again to testify. In most cases, this procedure is repeated several times. If the case is under investigation, then you will certainly be asked to come more than once. You can, of course, take the initiative yourself. Ask for an unscheduled visit to the authorities where you gave your testimony. And being already in place, inform about your decision to withdraw the testimony made.
Step 5
Most likely, you will be asked to explain the reason why you decided to withdraw your testimony. In this case, it is better to consult with a lawyer in advance about what to do and what to say. After all, this is an individual procedure for each case and trial.
