Litigation Lawyers in Monroe

Civil depositions occur during Monroe, Wisconsin civil litigation, as part of the discovery process.

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

In Monroe, Wisconsin, 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 Monroe, Wisconsin

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

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

To help deal with this fact, Monroe, Wisconsin allows 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 Monroe, Wisconsin, 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 begins, 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 Monroe, Wisconsin Lawyer Help?

If you're a party to a Monroe, Wisconsin lawsuit and are required to appear at a deposition, one would hope that you've already retained a lawyer by this stage in the proceedings. Your attorney will have a lot of advice for you, which you should of course follow.

If you're not a party to a lawsuit in Monroe, Wisconsin, but have knowledge about some of the facts that are at issue in a pending case, you might still be called to appear in a deposition. In that case, you probably don't need to hire a lawyer.