Can a judge allowa prosecutor to bring up a defendant’s prior arrest/convictions when the defendant is not on the witness stand?

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Can a judge allowa prosecutor to bring up a defendant’s prior arrest/convictions when the defendant is not on the witness stand?

Also, if the only witnesses both get caught in several lies on the witness stand, can that be cause for a dismissal of the case?

Asked on July 19, 2010 under Criminal Law, California

Answers:

M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 13 years ago | Contributor

Generally not.  That is why so many defendants do not wish to take the stand in defense of their case.  Their "prior bad acts" can not be disclosed or used against them unless the defendant places their credibility in to issue, and that happens when they take the stand and testify on their own behalf.  As for the witnesses, they are sworn to tell the truth.  If they are caught lying that can be perjury.  But if there is a jury in place they will hear the lies and it will go to the weight of the evidence.  In other words, they will decide the case balancing all the testimony given. Good luck.


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