Litigation Lawyers in Maryland Heights

Civil depositions occur during civil litigation in Maryland Heights, Missouri. They are part of the discovery process.

In Maryland Heights, Missouri, "discovery" is a process that occurs before a civil trial, during which both sides are required to disclose relevant evidence to the other.

One way to acquire this information in Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, Missouri

If the parties believe that a witness in Maryland Heights, Missouri won't be able to show up in court to testify during trial, because of age, poor health, upcoming military deployment, potential incarceration, or any other reason, a deposition is a very good way to get their testimony on the record before the trial. Additionally, if they have to be questioned for several days, it is a good way to save the court's time.

Maryland Heights, Missouri civil depositions can go on for a long time - occasionally going for a week or more. If you get subpoenaed to give your testimony in a Maryland Heights, Missouri civil deposition, this could prove to be incredibly inconvenient.

To help mitigate this inconvenience, Maryland Heights, Missouri permits witnesses who are appearing in depositions to be paid a set amount of money for their time, and reimbursed for travel expenses. However, if there is any evidence that this money is being used to influence a witness' testimony, there is going to be a serious problem: this would amount bribery, and it is a serious offense.

If you are being deposed in Maryland Heights, Missouri you absolutely must answer all the questions truthfully and completely, to the best of your knowledge. You are under oath, and if you lie, and are caught, you could be charged with perjury, which can carry jail time.

How Can A Maryland Heights, Missouri Lawyer Help?

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

If you are not directly engaged in the lawsuit, you might still have to appear at a deposition, if you have information that's relevant to the case in Maryland Heights, Missouri. You probably 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.