what my attorney told me after my deposition

by Toney Cormier 9 min read

After the deposition, your attorney will send you a copy of the transcript to read over and correct if needed. The defense attorney will use this opportunity you had to correct any changes to lock you in. This is why it is crucial to prepare for a deposition and take it seriously.

Full Answer

Can a lawyer ask you a question during a deposition?

May 10, 2007 · A deposition is a legal device that allows the parties in the lawsuit to fish for information that the other side may be holding. After all, the point of a civil lawsuit is to determine the facts of the case, allocate fault if any, and return an injured party to as close to the position they were in before the facts occurred as possible.

What are my rights during a deposition?

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Should I be offended if my lawyer wants to depose me?

Jul 26, 2006 · The Do's and Don'ts of a Deposition. 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 ...

What happens at a deposition in a civil case?

May 31, 2018 · During your deposition you say my attorney told me not to guess and you say I don’t remember because it’s the truth. The defense attorney will probably try and get you to give an approximation or give a range of speed, but again, your attorney has told you not to guess, so you answer that you don’t know.

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Why do you use a deposition in court?

Your deposition may be used in court pleadings as a factual basis for certain allegations. It may also be used during a trial in order to impeach a witness or contradict his or her testimony.

What is a stenography device?

This was actually a stenography device that allows the court reporter to quickly type everything that was said in a deposition in a form of shorthand. After the deposition, the court reporter then takes the pages of shorthand and transcribes them into English. This transcript may take a few weeks to produce.

Can you get copies of your deposition transcript?

All parties to a case will then eventually receive copies of your deposition via discovery. You, your lawyer, and the other parties will have time to review the transcript for any mistakes or inconsistencies -- either in the transcript or in what you testified to. If, upon reviewing your transcript, you believe you've misstated something or the court reporter misquoted you, speak with your attorney.

What is a deposition in court?

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, witness es, 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.

What is the purpose of a deposition?

The purpose of a deposition is to obtain answers to the attorney’s questions, from a witness, who is sworn in, under oath. During the deposition, a court reporter takes notes of the proceeding. These notes consist of word-for-word recording of what the witness says.These notes are then assembled into a deposition transcript.

How long do witnesses have to answer questions?

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.

Can an attorney coach a witness?

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.

What is the basis of an objection?

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.

Can you refuse a deposition?

Refusing a deposition is typically not permitted. A witness receives notice that their deposition will be taken through a document called a Notice of Deposition.This document contains information about the location, date,and time of the deposition.

Can a witness review a transcript?

Witnesses are permitted to review their transcript testimony. If a witness believes the testimony was inaccurately recorded, the witness may note perceived inaccuracies, and what the witness maintains their actual testimony was. Preparation for a deposition is of significant importance.

Stephen R. Chesley

You will be receiving a copy of the transcript for review. You should request a conference with your attorney and discuss this matter.#N#More

Timothy Joseph Mudd

You should arrange a meeting with your lawyer to discuss your deposition testimony, how it impacts your claim, and what are the reasonable expectations for your claim at this point in light of the deposition testimony.

Bruce Ward Bain

We know nothing about what happened and it would be pure speculation. It is best to talk to your lawyer.

What is a deposition in a court case?

A deposition is the process in which a witness is asked questions under oath by an attorney. Testifying at a deposition is often a mysterious and nerve racking event for most people. To give a successful deposition it is important to understand a couple of things. First, you need to know what the defense attorney is trying to accomplish ...

What is the goal of a deposition?

Most defense attorneys have two main goals during a deposition. The first goal is to get your complete story. Questions will generally range from how the accident happened, to what your injuries and treatment were, to what types of problems you are having today as a result of your accident.

Who is Steven Palermo?

Steven Palermo is the managing partner for Palermo Law, Long Island’s Personal Injury Law Firm. He has been helping people receive compensation for their injuries for over 21 years. He focuses on cases involving car accidents, truck accidents, construction accidents and slip and fall injuries.

Is it normal to be nervous when you testify?

Nervousness, however, is normal and usually passes after a few minutes of questions.

What are the 4 commandments?

I refer to these as the four commandments. 1) Tell the truth. Nothing hurts a case more then a lie. Even a white lie can kill your case. Once you are caught in a lie your credibility is ruined. While the truth sometimes hurts a case, it is never as bad as a lie. Every case has a weakness, so we don’t run from them with a lie, ...

Is it normal to be nervous during a deposition?

Nervousness, however, is normal and usually passes after a few minutes of questions. Don’t be afraid to be a little nervous. If you remember the defense attorney’s goals, review your case with your attorney and follow the four rules proposed here, your deposition will almost certainly be a success.

Is a deposition a trial?

No other explanation is necessary. Always remember a deposition is not a trial. If your case goes to trial you will have an opportunity to tell your entire story through much friendlier direct examination by your attorney. 4) My fourth rule is to keep calm. Don’t get agitated by the defense attorney’s questions.

Why do attorneys ask questions during depositions?

Your attorney may ask questions of you during the deposition, but typically your attorney will only ask questions of you in order to clarify a confusing answer. Like opposing counsel, your attorney may schedule and take depositions to help build your case. If there are some issues about your case that you consider worrisome, ...

What is a deposition in court?

What Is a Deposition? A deposition is pre-trial oral testimony taken under oath. In a deposition, the opposing attorney (counsel) will ask you various questions, and those questions and your answers will be recorded by an official court reporter. There is little difference between testimony at a deposition and testimony in the courtroom, ...

What is the purpose of a deposition?

Purpose of a Deposition. Depositions are extremely useful to opposing counsel. In a deposition, the opposing counsel will want to find out what you know regarding the issues in your lawsuit so that they can prepare for your testimony in advance of trial. The testimony you give in a deposition may be read at trial, ...

What is the best way to prepare for a deposition?

The following are suggestions to help you prepare to give you deposition: Always tell the truth: Failure to tell the truth in a deposition constitutes perjury, which is a felony. It can also damage your case if the truth comes out at trial.

What to say when you don't know the answer to a question?

Don't guess: If you do not know the answer to a question, you should say that you do not know. You have a right to confer with your lawyer: At any time during the deposition, you will have the right to speak with your attorney privately regarding the question and your answer. Do not hesitate to exercise this right.

What to do if you are asked to supply documents?

If you are asked to supply documents or information, refer the opposing counsel to your attorney. Do not reach into your pocket for a social security card, driver’s license, or any other document, unless your attorney requests that you do so.

What to do if you don't know all the details?

You aren't expected to know all the details: If you do not know all the details, relax. Simply state what you do know and leave out the details. Do not give an answer that requires you to consult records not available at the deposition or requiring you to consult your friends and associates for the answer.

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What Is A Deposition?

  • A deposition is pre-trial oral testimonytaken under oath. In a deposition, the opposing attorney (counsel) will ask you various questions, and those questions and your answers will be recorded by an official court reporter. There is little difference between testimony at a deposition and testimony in the courtroom, except that there is no judge presiding during a deposition. What thi…
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Purpose of A Deposition

  • Depositions are extremely useful to opposing counsel. In a deposition, the opposing counsel will want to find out what you know regarding the issues in your lawsuit so that they can prepare for your testimony in advanceof trial. The testimony you give in a deposition may be read at trial, so opposing counsel hopes to catch you in a lie or omission, because, if they were to do so, they co…
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Suggestions For Preparation

  • The following are suggestions to help you prepare to give you deposition: 1. Always tell the truth: Failure to tell the truth in a deposition constitutes perjury, which is a felony. It can also damage your case if the truth comes out at trial. 2. Listen to the question: Do not answer any question unless you hear it clearly and completely. You may ask the attorney or the court reporter to repe…
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