Are you scheduled to give a video deposition as part of an upcoming court appearance, and feeling a bit nervous? You'll definitely want to know the following tips before you sit down to answer questions on video.
Review Relevant Documents
You'll want to familiarize yourself with the questions that may be asked during the deposition. If you have documents or records related to the case, now is the time to read through them. Be familiar with the facts of the case, and jog your memory about the things that you remember. It's possible that the incident you are being questioned about took place months earlier, and you don't have the clearest memory.
Be Truthful At All Times
It is crucial that you are truthful during your video deposition. The answers that you give will be treated the same as if you were under oath in court, and there are legal consequences for not telling the truth. If you are not positive of an answer, know that you can always say that you do not recall and move on to the next question. Don't guess at an answer to give one, since that can be a huge problem.
Use Concise Wording
It is okay to take a moment to think about your answer to give a concise response. Try to answer the question in as few words as possible, which means giving a direct answer to what is being asked of you. There is no reason to go into the backstory of a situation before giving an answer. It is the lawyer's job to provide follow-up questions if your statement needs clarification.
Ask Clarifying Questions
It is perfectly okay to ask the lawyer to clarify any question that they ask of you. Never answer a question if you do not understand it, and keep asking clarifying questions until you do. It is not your fault if you cannot answer a question because the lawyer did not use clear language. If you keep reminding the lawyer that you do not understand their questions, they will need to adjust their line of questioning toward you.
Take Breaks If Needed
Know that you can always take a break during a video deposition if needed. You may need to use the restroom, have a drink of water, or even talk to your own lawyer about how the deposition is going. Taking a break does not impact the answer that you give, since that is what is recorded and not the reason for the break.
For more info about attorney video depositions, contact a local company.
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