One way lawyers, on opposing sides in a lawsuit, decide how to proceed is by deposing potential witnesses. Those unfamiliar with the process are sometimes surprised when they receive a summons to appear at an attorney's office, to give testimony under oath, before the court date. This is a chance for the two sides to hear what people know and assess how they might present themselves before a judge and jury. In Florida, the depositions Miami attorneys conduct can influence whether or not a case goes forward.
When you have been subpoenaed to appear at a lawyer's office on a certain date to give information about a pending case, you should prepare carefully. Your lawyer will set up a meeting with you to discuss what will happen and give you some advice. People are disposed under oath even though they are not in court on the witness stand. Everything you say during a deposition can be brought up if the case goes to trial.
The most important thing you can do is tell the truth. The lawyers for the other side will be verifying your testimony for accuracy and truthfulness. Even if one of the attorneys brings up something that is embarrassing or less than flattering, you should never deny or try to evade a truthful answer to their questions. Your best option is complete honesty.
It is also very important to be as accurate as possible when you are describing your part in the circumstances surrounding the case at hand. If you don't understand a question, you have the right to ask the lawyer to repeat it or give you an explanation before you answer. If you don't remember something, you should say so. Guessing at the answer is not an acceptable response.
Giving absolute answers and information to attorneys, when you are being deposed, is seldom a good idea. If you have one fact wrong, the other side may pounce on that in front of a judge and jury. It is better to state exactly what you know and, even if that includes an approximate time frame instead of a fixed day and hour, stick to it.
Very often pertinent documents are introduced into court cases in order to prove some aspect of the suit. You might be asked to look at certain documents during a deposition and give your testimony as to whether it is your signature on the paperwork. You might also be asked if the document is familiar to you. You should take all the time you need to read through the paperwork closely before you give an answer.
Even when you are feeling hostile, when it comes to the opposition, it is vital that you maintain a polite and cooperative attitude. You shouldn't give angry, sarcastic, or snide answers to the questions asked. Witnesses need to remember they are under oath, and have an obligation to tell the truth.
Giving testimony under oath can be very stressful. It helps if you give the most accurate answers possible in a pleasant and professional manner. Many cases are resolved after depositions when witnesses and litigants give a clear picture what actually happened.
When you have been subpoenaed to appear at a lawyer's office on a certain date to give information about a pending case, you should prepare carefully. Your lawyer will set up a meeting with you to discuss what will happen and give you some advice. People are disposed under oath even though they are not in court on the witness stand. Everything you say during a deposition can be brought up if the case goes to trial.
The most important thing you can do is tell the truth. The lawyers for the other side will be verifying your testimony for accuracy and truthfulness. Even if one of the attorneys brings up something that is embarrassing or less than flattering, you should never deny or try to evade a truthful answer to their questions. Your best option is complete honesty.
It is also very important to be as accurate as possible when you are describing your part in the circumstances surrounding the case at hand. If you don't understand a question, you have the right to ask the lawyer to repeat it or give you an explanation before you answer. If you don't remember something, you should say so. Guessing at the answer is not an acceptable response.
Giving absolute answers and information to attorneys, when you are being deposed, is seldom a good idea. If you have one fact wrong, the other side may pounce on that in front of a judge and jury. It is better to state exactly what you know and, even if that includes an approximate time frame instead of a fixed day and hour, stick to it.
Very often pertinent documents are introduced into court cases in order to prove some aspect of the suit. You might be asked to look at certain documents during a deposition and give your testimony as to whether it is your signature on the paperwork. You might also be asked if the document is familiar to you. You should take all the time you need to read through the paperwork closely before you give an answer.
Even when you are feeling hostile, when it comes to the opposition, it is vital that you maintain a polite and cooperative attitude. You shouldn't give angry, sarcastic, or snide answers to the questions asked. Witnesses need to remember they are under oath, and have an obligation to tell the truth.
Giving testimony under oath can be very stressful. It helps if you give the most accurate answers possible in a pleasant and professional manner. Many cases are resolved after depositions when witnesses and litigants give a clear picture what actually happened.
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