Expert Witness

An expert witness can offer information of a legal, scientific or medical nature. The expert witness will be hired to help the litigator with a variety of tasks, not just testifying at the deposition and trial. The attorney may also ask them to evaluate cases and review documents prior to taking the case. During the case review the expert witness can also help the litigator evaluate the basic facts of the case, understand complicated issues and outline an initial strategy. An expert witness may also be required to produce an expert report which outlines their opinion about the case.

Expert testimony at a trial is not always needed but can be requested if there is testimony which is an opinion, rather than a fact. Despite most people's understanding, an expert does not have to be highly educated. They can also be someone who has real life experience and can testify about how something actually workers. Expert witnesses can be critical to a defense. Talk to a criminal lawyer about whether the expense of hiring an expert is worth it for your criminal case.