Litigation Lawyers in Morehead

Civil depositions occur during civil litigation in Morehead, North Carolina. They are part of the discovery process.

"Discovery" is a process that occurs before a trial in Morehead, North Carolina. During the discovery process, both sides are required to make relevant information available to each other.

In Morehead, North Carolina, one way to get relevant evidence is to ask individuals 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 Morehead, North Carolina

If the parties believe that a witness in Morehead, North Carolina 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. Furthermore, if they have to be questioned for several days, it is a good way to save the court's time.

It should not be any surprise, then, that civil depositions in Morehead, North Carolina can go on for a very long time. If you are called to appear in a deposition in Morehead, North Carolina, this can be a massive headache.

Because of this fact, the law in Morehead, North Carolina allows witnesses who are appearing for depositions to be compensated for the expense associated with it. This includes reimbursement for gas, lodging, and food. They can also be paid a certain amount of money for every hour they testify, to compensate them for their time. However, this money can only be conditioned on the witness showing up and giving truthful testimony. Trying to condition it on the witness testifying in a particular way ceases to be compensation, and becomes bribery, which is a crime.

Remember, when you give a deposition in Morehead, North Carolina, you're under oath. This means that you are under an absolute obligation to tell the truth. If you deliberately lie while under oath, you are committing perjury. Perjury is a serious crime, and can be punished by fines and imprisonment.

How Can A Morehead, North Carolina Lawyer Help?

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

If you are not directly immersed in the lawsuit, you might still have to appear at a deposition, if you have information that's relevant to the case in Morehead, North Carolina. 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.