LAC 22:XV.1391. Preparing the Child Client to Testify

A. If the child client decides to testify, the attorney should prepare the child client to testify. This should include familiarizing the child client with the courtroom, court procedures, and what to expect during direct and cross-examination. If possible, prior to the adjudication hearing the attorney should conduct a mock direct and cross-examination on the child client with a separate attorney acting as prosecutor. Often the decision whether to testify may change at trial. Thus, the attorney should prepare the case for either contingency.