turn state's evidence
When a charged criminal opts to cooperate with the state and tesitify agaist an accomplice in exchange for a more lienient sentance or treatment, they are said to have "turned state's evidence".
Definition from Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary
The decision by a person charged with a crime, or suspected of a crime, to cooperate with the prosecution and testify against another participant in the criminal activity. In exchange for giving information or testifying, the person who has "turned" gets some sort of lenient treatment, such as a reduced charge, a plea bargain to a lesser charge, or a promise that the prosecution will recommend a light sentence.
Definition provided by Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary.
August 19, 2010, 5:26 pm
