7.22 Transcript of previous testimony

If a witness already testified in an earlier trial for the same charge, a certified written copy of that testimony can be used instead of taking a new deposition. This saves time and avoids making the witness repeat their statements over and over for the same case.

For this to work, the transcript has to be properly certified as accurate. As long as it's from a previous trial on the same offense, whether that trial happened in district court or circuit court, it counts as if the person gave a deposition. This means the transcript can be used later in the case just like any other deposition would be used.