Litigation Lawyers in Rutherfordton

Civil depositions happen during civil litigation in Rutherfordton, North Carolina. They are part of the discovery procedure.

"Discovery" is a procedure that happens before a trial in Rutherfordton, North Carolina. During the discovery process, both sides are obligated to make relevant information available to each other.

In Rutherfordton, North Carolina, one way to obtain relevant evidence is to ask people 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 Rutherfordton, North Carolina

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

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

To help deal with this fact, Rutherfordton, North Carolina 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 Rutherfordton, North Carolina, 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 Rutherfordton, North Carolina Lawyer Help?

If you are the defendant or plaintiff in a lawsuit, chances are good that you'll have to appear in a deposition. You should, by this time, already be represented by a Rutherfordton, North Carolina civil litigation attorney. You should do whatever they tell you to do (unless, of course, they tell you to lie, in that case you should find a new lawyer).

If you are not a party to the lawsuit, but are subpoenaed to testify in a deposition, you should at least contact with a Rutherfordton, North Carolina attorney, who can advise you on how to proceed.