Litigation Lawyers in Clovis

Civil depositions happen during civil litigation in Clovis, New Mexico. They are part of the discovery procedure.

Discovery, in Clovis, New Mexico is a very essential step in the civil litigation process. It is when all of the relevant evidence is gathered by both sides, and, generally, each side must disclose that evidence to the other.

One way to obtain this information in Clovis, New Mexico 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 Clovis, New Mexico

Depositions in Clovis, New Mexico are meant to get verbal testimony on the record and into evidence, when there is concern that the individual being deposed might be unable to show up and testify at trial, or their testimony will take far too long for them to testify at trial.

Clovis, New Mexico civil depositions can go on for a long time - sometimes going for a week or more. If you get subpoenaed to provide your testimony in a Clovis, New Mexico civil deposition, this could prove to be incredibly inconvenient.

To help deal with this fact, Clovis, New Mexico 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.

Remember, when you give a deposition in Clovis, New Mexico, you're under oath. This means that you are under an absolute requirement 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 Clovis, New Mexico Lawyer Help?

If you are the plaintiff or defendant in a lawsuit, you almost definitely already have a Clovis, New Mexico 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 a party to the lawsuit, but are subpoenaed to testify in a deposition, you should at least contact with a Clovis, New Mexico attorney, who can advise you on how to proceed.