1. Trial Preparation Tips
Maximizing Your Credibility When Testifying in Sexual Assault Cases
Cathy DeLaMar, Supervisor DuPage County S.A.O. Sex Crimes Unit
Fred Flather, DuPage County Assistant State’s Attorney, Sex Crimes Unit

2. CREDIBILITY Always Important Even more so in sex assault cases
Swearing contest between victims and defendants
How can you enhance your credibility at trial?

3. It All Begins at the Beginning
Defense Attorneys’ Top Defenses
The Investigation
Botched investigation
Rush to judgment
Missing evidence
Leads not investigated
Thorough
Follows the evidence
Accurate reports
No opinions

4. So the state wants to meet to prep for trial . . .
Don’t sweat it

5. Before Meeting Pet Peeves of Police Officers Pet Peeves of ASAs
ASAs who haven’t read the reports
Or watched the videos
Or seem to remember which case this one is
Officers who haven’t read the reports
Or watched the videos
Or seem to remember which case this one is

6. MEETING TO PREP FOR TRIAL
Key to meeting:
NO SURPRISES

7. TESTIFYING CREDIBLY

8. Hot Tips Know what is in the reports & on videos
Don’t quibble/argue with defense attorney
Same demeanor with state & defense
Not too many “I don’t recall”s
Listen to question
State: PLEASE correct us if we are wrong
Defense: PLEASE correct if they are wrong

9. How you carry yourself in public, in court,
reflects on all police officers
in our community.