Of course! Due process under the Constitution entitles you to have your own attorney present at your deposition. The court rules also permit your attorney to object to improper questions.
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Many deponents assume they do not need an attorney to be present for questioning because attorneys rarely take action in a deposition.
The Do's and Don'ts of a Deposition. A deposition is a witnesses' out-of-court testimony. A deposition can consists of written or oral questions that another attorney asks you during the discovery phase of a civil trial. What you say during a deposition will be reduced to writing and then used at trial.
This occurs through the attorney asking the question in a manner satisfactory to all parties. During the deposition, a court reporter records what the witnesses and attorneys speak, The resulting transcript can then be obtained by the parties. Some depositions are also videotaped. The person videotaping the deposition is called a videographer.
The attorney may not “coach” the witness, either before the deposition or during it.To “coach” a witness is to tell a witness how to answer a question before the witness has had an opportunity to speak. A witness’s answer must be the product of their own thinking. The answer cannot be the product of the attorney’s influence.
[6] Thus, in most cases—and unless the court rules otherwise—a party is free to have other attendees at a deposition. It is not uncommon to invite experts or other witnesses to attend a deposition, as they can play an important role in assisting counsel. Even so, it's best to provide advance notice to opposing counsel.
You have a right to refuse any questions about a person's health, sexuality, or religious beliefs (including your own). The opposing attorney will have to explain how your answer has a direct bearing on the case in order to compel you to answer.
Here are a few things to pay attention to while you are giving your deposition.Never Guess to Answer a Question. ... Avoid Any Absolute Statements. ... Do Not Use Profanity. ... Do Not Provide Additional Information. ... Avoid Making Light of the Situation. ... Never Paraphrase a Conversation. ... Do Not Argue or Act Aggressively.More items...•
How to Handle a Deposition: Advice from an OMIC Defense AttorneyTell the truth. ... Think before you speak. ... Answer the question. ... Do not volunteer information. ... Do not answer a question you do not understand. ... Talk in full, complete sentences. ... You only know what you have seen or heard. ... Do not guess.More items...
Potentially one of the highest pressure, highest stakes public speaking situations is on the witness stand in a courtroom or during a deposition. Even the most experienced witnesses can feel anxiety, which left unaddressed can hinder their testimony.
The truth of the matter is that depositions are not nearly as scary as you might think. While depositions can be awkward and there might be some difficult questions for you to answer, if you have a good lawyer preparing you for the deposition, you will be fine.
9 Tips for a Successful DepositionPrepare. ... Tell the Truth. ... Be Mindful of the Transcript. ... Answer Only the Question Presented. ... Answer Only as to What You Know. ... Stay Calm. ... Ask to See Exhibits. ... Don't Be Bullied.More items...
Staying Calm, Collected, and on CourseTell the Truth – It helps to think of a deposition as nothing more than a discussion. ... Think First, Speak Second – Always consider the question and think over your answer before you speak. ... Keep It Short and Sweet – Your answers should be short, sweet, and to the point.
Page 1Tell the truth! This is more than just a copybook maxim. ... self-preservation for witnesses. ... Think before you speak! ... beginning to respond to a question. ... Answer the question! ... to the question which is asked and only that question. ... Do not volunteer information! ... examining attorney.More items...
If you are asked when something occurred and you know it occurred on January 15, do not state “about January, 15.” If you cannot recall, simply say “I don't remember.” Do not guess. Deposition witnesses often fall into the trap of feeling that they have to know the answer to every question.
Common questions in this vein include:How did you prepare for this deposition?Have you spoken to anyone other than your counsel about this case? ... What, specifically was discussed?What documents pertaining to the case have you reviewed?Did you meet with counsel for the other side prior to this deposition?More items...•
These categories include:Introductory Questions.Background Questions (Identification, Residential, Marital, Education, and Legal)Deposition Preparation Questions.Case-Specific Questions.
Even if you aren’t directly involved in the underlying litigation, depositions potentially have legal ramifications that could affect you, your employer or a friend or family member. At a deposition, you will be required to testify under oath and any factual misstatements could be held against you at a later date.
Deposition testimony can and often is used at trial and inconsistencies in statements due to misunderstood questions, nervousness or lack of preparation, can have a negative impact on your outcome.
Deposition testimony will occur in a similar manner as testimony being provided on the stand to a judge or jury. Opposing counsel typically has much more leeway during a deposition regarding what they can and cannot ask. Having an attorney by your side to help walk you through questions and advise you on which questions you should not answer or are not obligated to answer can help hone your statements which will eventually be given at trial. If you are a party to a lawsuit, make sure your lawyer prepares you for your deposition.
The deposition can help flush out the facts of the case and the testimony given at a deposition will often be used again at trial. Testimony given in a deposition also can commit you to a position later on at trial. Sometimes, statements made during a deposition can help prompt settlement discussions. This is especially true when deposition ...
Having an attorney by your side to help walk you through questions and advise you on which questions you should not answer or are not obligated to answer can help hone your statements which will eventually be given at trial. If you are a party to a lawsuit, make sure your lawyer prepares you for your deposition.
Participant in Legal Proceeding or Lawsuit. If you’re involved in a legal claim or lawsuit, either as plaintiff or defendant, a deposition will often be a necessary part of the pre-trial discovery process.
This is especially true when deposition testimony is especially harmful or helpful to one side of the lawsuit. While not an actual trial, depositions are legal proceedings and participants often ask whether they are in need of legal representation.
Deposition Testimony For a Witness. If you have been summoned as a witness to a case, you should definitely consider hiring an attorney to represent you.
The outcome of not having a lawyer present can affect your family, yourself, or even your employer. You must testify under oath when present at the deposition, and many questions can be tricky and intended for you to fumble your words.
You are allowed to represent yourself in a lawsuit, but it is advised that you do not because your deposition testimony will be most likely be used at trial and any form of inconsistency in your statement can have a very bad impact on your trial’s outcome.
Being called to testify at a deposition can be intimidating. If you have been summoned to court to act as a witness on the part of your employer, you can ask your employer to pay for legal counsel.
It is always best to have a lawyer, especially if you face any liability yourself.
Maybe. As others have mentioned, it depends on the particular facts involved and your relationship to the lawsuit. For example, if you are a medical professional involved in the care and treatment of the patient, I would strongly recommend you consult with an attorney. You need to learn about any potential liability you may have.
You do not explain your relationship to the incident or potential liability so there is no way to really address your question. http://www.phillyinjurylawyer.com/
Here is some general advice on depositions and what to do if you have to go to one: https://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/how-to-behave-in-a-deposition Yes you should consult with an attorney before the deposition so that you...
Sometimes, a witness may be unable to attend due to unavailability. If this is the case, the witness can attempt to reschedule the deposition. If a witness fails to attend a deposition, the other side can obtain an order from the judge requiring attendance.
During the deposition, one side’s attorney asks a witness a series of questions as to the witness’s knowledge of facts, circumstances, and events relevant to the case. The witness can be the other party, someone the other party claims to have relevant knowledge, or an expert whose opinions and conclusions are sought.
The person videotaping the deposition is called a videographer. During the deposition, a witness must truthfully answer questions asked of them. After the attorney for one side completes their deposition of the other party, the other party’s attorney may then ask their client questions.
Questions that suggest or lead a witness to an answer, or that imply a fact that has not been established, can serve as the basis of an objection. While the attorneys are speaking to each other, the witness should not be speaking. The witness should answer the questions being asked of them,and only those questions.
A deposition is the taking of out-of-court testimony of a witness. After a civil litigation has been filed, each side, as part of the process known as discovery, is permitted to question the other side. This questioning pertains to facts, witnesses, and evidence the other side may intend to use in court proceedings. During the deposition, one side’s attorney asks a witness a series of questions as to the witness’s knowledge of facts, circumstances, and events relevant to the case.
A party may use the deposition at trial to demonstrate a witness testifying at trial is not being truthful. Trial testimony on a given question may vary from how the question was answered during the deposition. A lawyer may point out these discrepancies to call the witness’ credibility into question.
Witnesses must be prepared to answer questions for a potential period of several hours. During this time, the attorneys may object to the form of each others’ questions.
If you are called and sworn as a witness to testify at a deposition you have an obligation to truthfully answer questions that do not call for privileged information. You are not required to answer questions that call for the disclosure of privileged communications, such as attorney client, doctor patient, accountant client and, minister parishioner communications. However, if you think you may be asked to disclose such information it would be advisable to tell your new employer's attorney and ask the attorney to object to your providing that kind of information. If you fail to answer questions that are not protected by privilege you could be held in contempt of court and jailed or fined or both. It is a violation of Michigan public policy to terminate an employee for giving truthful testimony under oath. Depending on the kind of case you are being deposed in it may also be a violation of the statute the litigants are proceeding under. For example, if the suit is brought under the civil rights laws, it is a violation of the anti-retaliation provisions of those laws to demote, fire or take away a benefit of employment because you give truthful testimony in a proceeding under the law.
If you are subpeoned to appear at a deposition and placed under oath you must answer truthfully or the penalty is perjury It would be illegal and an act of discrimination in violation of public policy to terminate you for obeying the law and refusing to violate the law . Having said that I would discuss this with your current employer and its lawyer and express your concern and anxiety about the process.
Since you are not a party to the lawsuit, they would have to subpoena you for a deposition. If a subpoena is issued for you to attend a deposition, you will have to appear. If your answers would place you in criminal jeopardy, you can always invoke your 5th Amendment rights. Otherwise, you may have to truthfully answer the questions. Prior to your deposition you may wish to speak with an attorney who can assist you in truthfully answering the questions but maybe in a way that will also protect your interests.
As you will be served with a subpoena and testify under oath, you must tell the truth. If you are afraid of criminal prosecution you should retain a lawyer to attend the deposition with you.
You can ask that your employer supply you with a lawyer not connected to the company, and that this should be paid for by the company per labor code section 2802. the lawyer your company is using to be with you may have a conflict of interest. I would ask the company lawyer to put in writing he has no conflict of interest, and that everything you tell him is protected by the attorney client privilege including that he will not reveal any communication to your current employer. If he does not, he may have a conflict and you should insist on them hiring an independent lawyer at their expense per 2802.
Answer all questions honestly and you have whistleblower protection if you say anything that hurts your current employer and they take retaliatory action.
You are legally required to attend the deposition however , you may retain an attorney to represent you other than the Company's attorney. If you feel the answers you will give could have you fired you should consult with your attorney.
Often, those expert witnesses need specific information from you in order to give their opinions. Fifth, it gives the opposing attorney a chance to see what kind of witness you will be and whether they can rattle you at trial or upset you.
First, it is their only chance to meet you, size you up, and ask you questions before trial. Second, they need to find out what information you know and hear your version of events. They also need to know how badly you were injured.