Galatolo decides not to testify on his own behalf

"A defendant has the choice of testifying or saying nothing. Defendants get that right from the Fifth Amendment. Juries are typically instructed not to hold a defendant's decision to remain silent against them. But when a defendant testifies, they run the risk of a prosecutor aggressively questioning them, potentially exposing inconsistencies or making them appear nervous or untruthful, which juries often misinterpret as guilt."

"In the final days of the defense case, Smith put a number of character witnesses on the stand including former members of the college district's board. Among them were former board member Patricia Miljanich, former Skyline President Regina Stanback-Stroud and former Vice Chancellor Tom Bauer. Galatolo, 61, of Menlo Park, is charged with taking bribes from contractors. Charges include bribery, tax fraud, misappropriation of public funds, conflict of interest and embezzlement."

Ron Galatolo decided not to testify at his jury trial on charges he accepted bribes from contractors. His attorney, Chuck Smith, rested the defense case and the jury will return Jan. 6 for closing arguments. Defendants have a Fifth Amendment right to remain silent, and jurors are typically instructed not to hold silence against them, though testifying can invite aggressive cross-examination that may reveal inconsistencies or create unfavorable impressions. The defense called multiple character witnesses, including former board members and administrators. Galatolo faces charges including bribery, tax fraud, misappropriation of public funds, conflict of interest and embezzlement, and is out on $150,000 bail.

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