Raleigh Trial Attorney
Trial Lawyer in Raleigh, North Carolina
If you are going to be participating in a North Carolina trial, regardless if you are the defendant or plaintiff, you will need a qualified Raleigh civil litigation attorney to assist you before and during the actual trial. At Hopper Law Firm, our attorneys will provide you with the legal support you will need during a civil trial.
Simply put, a trial is the examination of facts and laws presided over by a judge (or magistrate) with authority and jurisdiction over the matter. There two types of trials, the most common known as a bench trial (or a trial heard before a judge) and jury trial whereby the evidence is presented to a jury of one’s peers. In every trial, there are many complex elements within the trial process (see below); we highly recommend seeking legal counsel from an attorney before taking a case to trial.
Discovery
Discovery is the process by which the litigants (i.e. parties) gain information during trial preparation (as described below).
Depositions
A deposition can be used as a discovery device to gather details and information pertinent to the case at hand. Anyone can be deposed as long as the party is given notice of the time and place that the deposition will occur. A deposition can be recorded by videotape or other means including stenography. The deposition is governed by court rules as to objects and direct and cross examination.
Interrogatories
Interrogatories are written questions that are required to be answered in writing and under oath. Interrogatories are only to be served on a party to the action and must be limited to fifty questions or less, unless more are granted by leave of court. The answers to interrogatories can be used in court according to the rules of evidence.
Admissions
An admission is used by attorneys to prove the truth of facts as applied to law in which the party must admit, deny, or provide reason not to pick either. An admission to a fact is determined to be conclusive but only for the matter at hand.
Production of Documents
A party to the action may serve the opposing party with a request to produce certain documents. The documents that are produced can be read, searched through, copied or used in other ways that are relevant to the current litigation. Production of documents may be requested for pictures, permits, designs and samples.
Physical and Mental Examination
Physical and mental examinations can only be used under certain circumstances at the courts discretion. The moving party must show the court good cause before the court will allow such examinations. Also, the physical or mental condition must be in controversy, such as with blood grouping in family law cases.
If you would like further information regarding trials or require assistance with an upcoming trial, please contact a Raleigh Civil Litigation Attorney at Hopper Law Firm us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced Trial Lawyers.