Depositions
Depositions in a criminal case are the opportunity
for the defense attorney to ask questions of the
State's witnesses. The defendant always has the
right to depose any witnesses listed on the Trial
Information. The defendant does not possess the
right to take depositions in a simple misdemeanor
charge.
If a defendant, along with his attorney, makes the
decision to depose the State's witnesses, the
defendant must disclose the names of his witnesses
to the State. Thus, taking depositions removes any
surprises the defense might have in store for the
State.
Depositions may result in a key fact being revealed
which lessens the defendant's involvement in the
crime, or proves his innocence. This evidence can
be used to negotiate a superior plea bargain or
perhaps get the charges dismissed.
The taking of depositions will allow the defendant
and his attorney to become more familiar with the
State's case, and thus they can be more prepared
for trial.
Please contact an attorney practicing in criminal law
if you have any questions regarding depositions in
a criminal case.
Mark Thompson, Attorney at Law
220 Lafayette Street
Suite 120
Iowa City, IA 52240
ph: (319) 354-1630
fax: (319) 887-2537
mark@thompsonjustice.com
The information contained in this website is not intended to be legal
advice. With any criminal matter, you should seek the advice of a
lawyer practicing in criminal defense.
Copyright, Mark Thompson, Attorney at Law, All Rights Reserved.
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for the defense attorney to ask questions of the
State's witnesses. The defendant always has the
right to depose any witnesses listed on the Trial
Information. The defendant does not possess the
right to take depositions in a simple misdemeanor
charge.
If a defendant, along with his attorney, makes the
decision to depose the State's witnesses, the
defendant must disclose the names of his witnesses
to the State. Thus, taking depositions removes any
surprises the defense might have in store for the
State.
Depositions may result in a key fact being revealed
which lessens the defendant's involvement in the
crime, or proves his innocence. This evidence can
be used to negotiate a superior plea bargain or
perhaps get the charges dismissed.
The taking of depositions will allow the defendant
and his attorney to become more familiar with the
State's case, and thus they can be more prepared
for trial.
Please contact an attorney practicing in criminal law
if you have any questions regarding depositions in
a criminal case.
Mark Thompson, Attorney at Law
220 Lafayette Street
Suite 120
Iowa City, IA 52240
ph: (319) 354-1630
fax: (319) 887-2537
mark@thompsonjustice.com
The information contained in this website is not intended to be legal
advice. With any criminal matter, you should seek the advice of a
lawyer practicing in criminal defense.
Copyright, Mark Thompson, Attorney at Law, All Rights Reserved.
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