Litigation Lawyers in South Charleston

Civil depositions happen during South Charleston, West Virginia civil litigation, as part of the discovery procedure.

"Discovery" is a procedure that happens before a trial in South Charleston, West Virginia. During the discovery process, both sides are obligated to make relevant information available to each other.

One way to obtain this information in South Charleston, West Virginia is to conduct a deposition. A deposition, at its core, is a fairly simple process. A deposition is a question and answer session conducted outside the courtroom. Usually, it takes place in the office space of an attorney representing one of the parties. There are a few people who are almost always present at the deposition: there's the person being deposed, the lawyer who is going to be asking the questions, a lawyer representing the other side of the lawsuit, who can object to any questions being asked (a judge can rule on the objections later), and a court reporter or video recorder, to ensure that the testimony ends up on the record.

Conducting A Civil Deposition in South Charleston, West Virginia

Depositions in South Charleston, West Virginia are meant to get verbal testimony on the record and into evidence, when there is concern that the individual being deposed might be unable to show up and testify at trial, or their testimony will take far too long for them to testify at trial.

Civil Depositions in South Charleston, West Virginia can sometimes go on for days, and occasionally even weeks. If you are obligated to appear for a deposition in South Charleston, West Virginia, it can prove to be a significant inconvenience.

To help deal with this fact, South Charleston, West Virginia permits witnesses who are being deposed to be compensated for their time. They can be reimbursed for lodging, travel expenses, and given a small amount of money for their time. Remember, however, that this money is most definitely NOT conditioned on the witness giving testimony that's favorable to one side, and omitting information that's unfavorable. This would be bribery, and it is highly illegal.

When giving a deposition in South Charleston, West Virginia, be sure to answer all of the questions honestly, and to the absolute best of your knowledge. You will be sworn in before the deposition starts, and you will be under oath, just as if you were in open court. So, if you lie, you are committing perjury, which can land you in jail.

How Can A South Charleston, West Virginia Lawyer Help?

If you are a party to a lawsuit, and are subpoenaed to a deposition, chances are you're already represented by a , West Virginia attorney. Obviously, you should follow their advice with respect to the deposition.

If you're not a party to a lawsuit in South Charleston, West Virginia, but have knowledge about some of the facts that are at issue in a pending case, you might still be contacted to appear in a deposition. In that case, you likely don't need to hire a lawyer.