Litigation Lawyers in Selma

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

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

In Selma, North Carolina, 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 Selma, North Carolina

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

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

Because of this fact, the law in Selma, North Carolina permits 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 specific way ceases to be compensation, and becomes bribery, which is a crime.

If you are being deposed in Selma, North Carolina 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 prosecuted with perjury, which can carry jail time.

How Can A Selma, North Carolina Lawyer Help?

If you are a party to a lawsuit, and are subpoenaed 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 engaged in the lawsuit, you might still have to appear at a deposition, if you have information that's relevant to the case in Selma, North Carolina. 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.