Litigation Lawyers in Trotwood

Depositions are part of the discovery procedure in Trotwood, Ohio civil litigation.

In Trotwood, Ohio, "discovery" is a procedure that happens before a civil trial, during which both sides are obligated to disclose relevant evidence to the other.

One way to obtain this information in Trotwood, Ohio 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 Trotwood, Ohio

Depositions in Trotwood, Ohio serve a very significant purpose: receiving testimony on the record, and admitted as evidence, when there is some reason to suspect that the witness won't be able to appear in court during trial, because of health, possible incarceration, or any other reason.

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

To mitigate this, the law of Trotwood, Ohio usually entitles people being deposed to reimbursement. They can be compensated for travel expenses, lodging, and a can be given a small amount of money simply for their time. However, this is meant to be reimbursement for the time and expense incurred in attending a deposition, and it is most definitely not payment for the witness to provide testimony that's favorable to one side or the other.

When giving a deposition in Trotwood, Ohio, 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 Trotwood, Ohio Lawyer Help?

If you are directly involved in a lawsuit in Trotwood, Ohio, and have to appear at a deposition, you should already be represented by a lawyer. It goes without saying that you should do whatever they advise you to do throughout the deposition.

If you are not directly involved in the lawsuit, you might still have to appear at a deposition, if you have information that's relevant to the case in Trotwood, Ohio. 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.