turn state's evidence

turn state's evidence

To admit guilt in some crime and agree to give evidence against one's accomplices in court in order to avoid or receive a reduced prison sentence. Many are speculating that the administrative aide taken into custody will agree to turn state's evidence against the senator.
See also: evidence, turn
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

turn state's evidence

To give such testimony in court.
See also: evidence, turn
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • nod the nut
  • give (something) against (one)
  • guilt complex
  • racked with guilt
  • a guilt trip
  • guilt trip
  • give (oneself) away
  • give away
  • vindicate
  • vindicate of
References in periodicals archive
A LOYALIST "serial killer" turned informer will walk free as part of a deal to turn State's evidence, the son of one of his victims said yesterday.
Flynn's decision to turn state's evidence must be not only deeply worrisome but also infuriating for Trump.
MANILA -- The Supreme Court has paved the way for a former party-list representative to turn state's evidence against former finance department officials charged in the Sandiganbayan with involvement in an P11-million tax credit scam more than 10 years ago.
When a Las Vegas performer-turned-snitch named Buddy Israel decides to turn state's evidence and testify against the mob, it seems that a whole lot of people would like to make sure he's no longer breathing.
THE STORY Sleazy magician Buddy "Aces" Israel (Piven) is set to turn state's evidence against a mob boss, and is holed up in the penthouse suite of a Lake Tahoe hotel.
Most journalists cringe at the prospect of one of their own being forced to turn state's evidence. But in this case, many of them thought it was justified.