Litigation Lawyers in East Longmeadow

A civil deposition in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts occurs in many civil litigation cases, as part of the discovery process.

Discovery, in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts is a very crucial step in the civil litigation process. It is when all of the relevant evidence is gathered by both sides, and, generally, each side must disclose that evidence to the other.

In East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, one way to acquire relevant evidence is to ask persons involved in the dispute (both parties and witnesses) about their knowledge of the matter. This is done through a civil deposition. It is essentially a question and answer session between a lawyer, and a witness or party to the action. A lawyer for the other side is present, as well as a court reporter or videographer. The lawyer asks questions of the person being deposed, who must answer them under oath.

Conducting A Civil Deposition in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts

In East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, the main reason to conduct a deposition, as opposed to having someone testify in court, is to save time. After days of depositions, the jury can be presented with just the relevant testimony, if the case goes to trial. Additionally, it's a good idea to conduct a deposition if there's any reason to believe that the witness will not be able to show up to court to testify, due to poor health, or any other reason.

Civil Depositions in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts can sometimes go on for days, and occasionally even weeks. If you are required to appear for a deposition in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, it can prove to be a substantial inconvenience.

To mitigate this, the law of East Longmeadow, Massachusetts typically entitles people being deposed to reimbursement. They can be compensated for travel expenses, lodging, and a can be given a small amount of money simply for their time. However, this is meant to be reimbursement for the time and expense incurred in attending a deposition, and it is most definitely not payment for the witness to give testimony that's advantageous to one side or the other.

In East Longmeadow, Massachusetts depositions, everyone being deposed is under oath. This means that you are legally and morally obligated to answer every question truthfully. If you deliberately misrepresent your knowledge (lie), you are guilty of perjury. And if you're caught, you could end up facing jail time and/or some very steep fines.

How Can A East Longmeadow, Massachusetts Lawyer Help?

If you are the plaintiff or defendant in a lawsuit, you almost certainly already have an East Longmeadow, Massachusetts lawyer. If either party to the lawsuit calls you for a deposition, your lawyer will have plenty of advice for you. You should, of course, follow that advice to the letter.

If you are not a party to the case, but are subpoenaed to testify in a deposition, you should at least consult with an East Longmeadow, Massachusetts attorney, who can advise you on how to proceed.