2. Prepare to testify

Whether you're testifying for the Crown or the defence, the lawyer calling you as a witness will usually want to meet with you before the trial to help you prepare. If the lawyer hasn't contacted you, you can call them and ask to meet.

It's important to tell the truth when you testify. If you make a false or misleading statement when you testify, you can be charged with perjury. Perjury is a criminal offence.

Before you testify, you should review any affidavits or statements you made to the police or in court. If the lawyers didn't give you these documents, you should ask for them.

You're not allowed to look at these documents while you're testifying unless the lawyer asking you questions tells you to. The lawyer might ask you to look at the documents if they think it will help refresh your memory. You can also tell the lawyer or the judge that you would like to look at the documents to help your memory, and the judge will decide if you're allowed.

Make sure you arrive at the court or in the Zoom hearing at the time you are told on your subpoena. You might not be called to testify right away. You might have to wait a few minutes, a few hours, or even days before you're called to give evidence.

If you're testifying over Zoom, make sure that you're alone in a private room. If possible, point the camera so that it shows your face and hands clearly. Keep your camera and microphone on unless you're told to turn them off. Speak loudly so you can be heard clearly.