Litigation Lawyers in Higginsville

Civil depositions happen during civil litigation in Higginsville, Missouri. They are part of the discovery procedure.

In Higginsville, Missouri, "discovery" is a procedure that happens before a civil trial, during which both sides are obligated to disclose relevant evidence to the other.

One way to obtain this information in Higginsville, Missouri is to simply sit down with someone involved in the dispute, or with knowledge of some of the issues, and ask them questions. This can be done through a civil deposition, which is basically a Q&A session between a lawyer, and the person being deposed. A lawyer for the other side will also be present. The person being deposed is answering their questions under oath, just as if they were testifying in court. Because of this, it's important to get their statements on the record. For that purpose, a court reporter or videographer will be present.

Conducting A Civil Deposition in Higginsville, Missouri

Depositions in Higginsville, Missouri serve a very significant purpose: receiving testimony on the record, and admitted as evidence, when there is some reason to suspect that the witness won't be able to appear in court during trial, because of health, possible incarceration, or any other reason.

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

To help deal with this fact, Higginsville, Missouri 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.

If you are called to a deposition in Higginsville, Missouri, it's absolutely essential that you answer all the questions truthfully, to the best of your knowledge. When testifying in a deposition, you are under oath, just as you would be in open court. Deliberately lying in a deposition is perjury, which is a serious crime.

How Can A Higginsville, Missouri Lawyer Help?

If you are the plaintiff or defendant in a lawsuit, you almost definitely already have a Higginsville, Missouri 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 directly involved in the lawsuit, you might still have to appear at a deposition, if you have information that's relevant to the case in Higginsville, Missouri. You likely don't need to hire a lawyer in that case, but it might be a good idea to at least get a consultation from one.