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.
Unless you are absolutely certain of something, you should avoid giving an absolute answer to an attorney's question. These are often the statements that the opposing side pounces on. If even one little part of the statement turns out to be contradictory to other facts in the case, your credibility will be damaged.
Documents, pertinent to a case, are often introduced as evidence. During a deposition you may be asked if a particular document looks familiar to you or if you signed it. It is very important that you look the paperwork over carefully before giving your answer. The wrong answer could strongly affect the outcome of the case.
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.
Unless you are absolutely certain of something, you should avoid giving an absolute answer to an attorney's question. These are often the statements that the opposing side pounces on. If even one little part of the statement turns out to be contradictory to other facts in the case, your credibility will be damaged.
Documents, pertinent to a case, are often introduced as evidence. During a deposition you may be asked if a particular document looks familiar to you or if you signed it. It is very important that you look the paperwork over carefully before giving your answer. The wrong answer could strongly affect the outcome of the case.
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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