Creating A Culture Of Technology

Are you scheduled to give a deposition, but you are not really sure what to expect? A deposition is when you are asked questions under oath so that your answers can be used during a trial at a future date. Here are a few things that you should know before you give your deposition.

Answer Only The Questions Asked

A common mistake people make when giving a deposition is providing too much information. Know that every word you say is recorded and can be used in court. That's why it's important to give the bare minimum answer required to satisfy the person asking the question. 

For example, if you are asked about what happened on a specific date, then you should only answer about what happened on that date. Do not share information about the days before or after that date, because that was not what was asked of you. Volunteering information is only going to bring up more questions about information you disclosed, so you only answer the question asked.

Know That You Can Say That You Don't Know The Answer

It is perfectly acceptable to say that you do not know the answer to a question. If you honestly don't know, it is perfectly acceptable to repeatedly give the same answer to a question you do not know. A common technique used during a deposition is getting you to commit to answers that you do not know the answer to. They may follow up a response by asking you what you think the answer may be and try to get you to confirm the answer they are looking for. Don't do this, since you can just keep telling the attorney that you don't know the answer to the question.

Refer To Experts When You Don't Know The Answer

Another way to deal with a question you don't know the answer to is to refer the attorney to an expert. For example, if you are being asked a finance-related question, it is perfectly acceptable to say that they should ask your accountant. They can then give an accurate answer that you are unable to provide. This logic can apply to many situations, such as if you are asked about the extent of an injury. Rather than provide your own analysis, it's better to refer the attorney to ask your doctor.

Keep Your Discussions With Your Attorney Private

Know that you do not have to disclose any conversations you have had with your lawyer. Those conversations are protected, and your attorney doesn't have to disclose them either. This is referred to as attorney-client privilege, and it's relevant in both a deposition and during a trial. 

For more information about lawyer video depositions, contact a local professional.