Depositions
A deposition is a way for litigants to obtain information from each other before a trial begins. A First-Choice Court Reporter gives the oath or affirmation that one would be given in court. Thereafter, the court reporter makes a thorough transcript of all that takes place verbally during the deposition, in the same manner that a testimony is recorded in court. The attorney who has ordered the deposition questions the deponent (witness). All questions are answered verbally so they can be recorded. Other attorneys in attendance may cross-examine the witness. Any objections pertaining to evidence are may be held until the trial, but attorneys may object to questions asked.
A deposition can be important to give all litigant parties in a given case a fair preview of the evidence so that there are no surprises at the time of trial. The deposition helps to retrieve a witness's recollection of the situation or event while it is still fresh in his or her mind, even though the trial may still be much later. In the event a witness is unavailable for trial, his or her deposition testimony may be read before the jury and made part of the record in the case, with the same legal force as live testimony. In some states, depositions can be offered into evidence even if the witness is available.
From time to time after a number of witnesses have been deposed, the parties will have enough information that they can reasonably predict the outcome of a prospective trial, and may decide to arrive at a compromise and settle out of court, thus avoiding trial and preventing additional costs of litigation.
Deposition Services Provided
- Depositions
- Hearings
- Meetings
- Trials
- Arbitrations
- Examinations Under Oath
- Realtime Reporting
- Internet Realtime
Deposition Suites
We have multiple conference rooms and video conferencing facilities available.
Real-Time Depositions
If you need it, your reporting can be done in realtime (transcripts are delivered afterward). Realtime is instantaneous. As an individual is speaking, we capture their statement in true accurate detail. Realtime documentation helps a person focus on the information as it’s in writing in front of them. It becomes easier to understand when it can be read and re-read. Only the best court reporters are able to report in realtime, and you’ll find them at First-Choice Reporting.
A lengthy read-back from the reporter can be avoided and time saved when the transcript has been taken in realtime. This also saves money by allowing for witness preparation rather than waiting for an expedited certified transcript.
Interactive Realtime can be used if the attorney has a laptop at the deposition, realtime software preloaded on the computer with a serial cable. If you are unsure if you have the right laptop, please ask us before your deposition so we can take a look and be sure you’re ready.
Internet video streaming sends video in realtime. It is much like live television and can be viewed by those with internet access as it is happening. This helps save travel costs and time when litigants are in different locations and cannot travel to the site of the deposition.
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