You can feel it before the first question is even finished: the witness is about to lie. The problem is not whether you can prove it. The problem is when you should prove it. We talk through real deposition strategy and trial lawyer decision-making for dealing with false statements in sworn testimony, including the risk of confronting a lie too early and watching it get “fixed” the moment opposing counsel calls a break.

From police reports signed under penalty of perjury to high-stakes civil cases where self-preservation is the motive, we explain how we build a clean foundation, lock in testimony, and then decide whether the best impeachment moment belongs at trial in front of a jury. We also get into the mechanics of questioning liars without getting hypnotized by theater: drilling into time, place, sensory details, and sequence, and recognizing how made-up stories often lack the texture of real memory.

We shift to expert witnesses and the credibility landmines that come with them, from exaggerated credentials to omissions that can blow up an entire opinion. And we tackle a classic modern fact pattern: traffic camera footage contradicting a “green light” story, plus how false memory can be used to soften what still functions like a lie. We close with a blunt truth from our own practice: plaintiffs have to be honest with us, or the case is over. If this helped you think differently about deposition prep, cross-examination, and witness credibility, subscribe, share the episode with a lawyer friend, and leave a review. What’s your rule for when to confront a lie?

Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast

Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.

Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason.

Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.

New episodes every Wednesday.

The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.

Podcast Hub:
https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com

Karen Koehler
https://karenkoehler.com
https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/

Mo Hamoudi
https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/

Stritmatter Law
https://www.stritmatter.com