Under the Federal Rules of Evidence, excited utterances are admissible if:

• A. The statement relates to a startling event or condition; the statement was made while the declarant was under the stress of excitement; the event or condition caused the excitement
• B. The statement must be in writing within 24 hours
• C. The statement must be made by a highly credible witness
• D. The statement must be about a future event

Answer: (A)

Excited utterances are admissible when a statement about a startling event or condition is made while the declarant is still under the stress of excitement caused by that event. The spontaneity of the remark is preserved by keeping it tied to the immediate emotional state provoked by the event, rather than allowing time for reflection. The option captures all three elements: it concerns a startling event or condition, it was made while the declarant remained under the excitement, and the excitement was caused by the event. That alignment with the rule’s requirements is why it’s the best choice.

The other ideas don’t fit because this rule doesn’t require writing within 24 hours, doesn’t hinge on the declarant’s credibility, and doesn’t authorize statements about future events.