GPCD HQ, July 27th, Midday (NFB-distance)

[glasses_justice]

Alex was nervous, but trying her best not to let that show. Trials always gave her a thrill of excitement, but also a small pang of stage fright, just before the beginning. And this one was going to be especially nerve-wracking. She'd participated in murder trials before, but never as the defense. It meant looking at everything from a perspective

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[onlysmokesnics]

"T-testify?" Hayley said, gulping a bit. "You mean where I gotta defend myself?"

That scared her more than getting arrested.

[glasses_justice]

"You don't have to," Alex reassured her quickly. "In a criminal trial, the defendant gets to choose whether to take the stand or not. As your lawyer, I can give you advice, but ultimately, it'll be your decision."

(sorry, RL beckoned. Back!)

[onlysmokesnics]

"Advice?" Hayley said. "Is there any advice that'll stop them from making me freak out in front of the judge? Because I don't know if I can keep it together if they start yelling at me."

[glasses_justice]

"Nobody will be yelling," Alex said. At least, she hoped not. "If there's anything you want to say in your own defense -- anything the jury needs to hear -- this is your one chance to do it. But you're right. If we put you on the stand, the prosecution can cross-examine you and try to tear everything you said into pieces."