Can Witnesses Refuse to Testify in Criminal Cases?

Television often makes criminal cases seem simple, but witness testimony can become extremely complicated.

Some witnesses:

Become fearful

Change their stories

Refuse to cooperate

Claim memory loss

In some situations, prosecutors may subpoena witnesses and require them to appear in court.

Witness credibility often becomes a major issue during criminal trials. Defense attorneys may challenge:

Inconsistent statements

Bias or motive

Prior criminal history

Faulty memory

Pressure from law enforcement

Witness testimony can dramatically affect the direction of a criminal case.