What happens if defendants do not testify truthfully?

When defendants do not testify truthfully, they will face consequences related to their perjury or dishonesty in court. If a defendant is found to have lied while under oath, this can lead to a variety of legal repercussions such as criminal charges for perjury, which is a serious offense. Additionally, their credibility can be severely undermined, affecting their case and potentially leading to more punitive outcomes, such as harsher sentencing if convicted.

The concept of truthfulness in testimony is vital in maintaining the integrity of the judicial process, and the legal system has established mechanisms to address false statements made under oath. This can include not only legal penalties but also the possibility of affecting the outcome of the case itself, as the jury or judge may discount the defendant's statements and the overall defense if they are caught lying.

Other options, while related to various aspects of legal proceedings, do not specifically capture the implications of dishonesty in testimony as clearly as the correct choice. For example, being dismissed from the case or receiving a plea deal doesn't directly relate to the act of testifying untruthfully, and appealing the case typically pertains to procedural or substantive legal issues after a verdict has been reached.