Posted by
Dan Smith on Fri, Dec 23, 2011 @ 07:00 AM
Texas court reporters have long been utilized in the law firm conference room, at the mediation table, and during courtroom activities. They have recorded the spoken word through stenography, and have followed this note-taking practice for decades. Court reporting finally joined the technologically-advanced 21st century and now offers video deposition services.
A deposition video can preserve not just the speech, but the sound and sight of the event as well. With today's technology, equipment and service is more affordable than ever. Cameras are lighter and higher-quality, and are thus able to be transported in to a variety of locations. They can record at low-light conditions (for example, some lower-lit conference rooms). They come with built-in microphones, but also allow for an external microphone to be patched in.
Trained operators will arrange and perform the deposition video service, ensuring you a quality live recording. The video does not need to be edited, nor should it, as there are legal requirements that vary from state to state. Therefore, you are left with a product instantly. However, many court reporters will file the tape first, then check it for quality and make a backup, prior to providing one for you.
Throughout the great state of Texas, deposition video services are now helping the justice system operate more efficiently and savvy.
Posted by
Dan Smith on Wed, Dec 21, 2011 @ 07:00 AM
In any given week, there could be hundreds of video depositions in Charlotte, NC. This number may seem high to some, but considering the thousands of attorneys practicing in the region, and an even larger number of active civil and criminal court cases, this is a small fraction of the total docket. The higher cost to record proceedings, compared to just having a court reporter document the text, would be a deterrent for many. But there is clearly a value - otherwise, there would be fewer firms turning to video depositions.
Video depositions allow either side to record something that may not transcend the written text. For example, a trustworthy female soldier and mother of two might receive more sympathy from a jury if they can see her and identify with her. If she is deployed during the trial, her written testimony may be spoken out loud by a court reporter, paralegal, or other appointed individual. Showing her words spoken directly by her is more powerful.
Court reporters in North Carolina record the text, but can not indicate age or inflection in their stenography. Similarly, video depositions preserve age when relevant to a case. Court cases can take years. A 7-year-old may not be the best witness in a live courtroom setting. The family may also wish to protect the child from testifying in person. A video deposition would preserve her testimony and allow the jury to hear the words from the 7-year-old directly, rather than an adult offering voice to the text. It can change the intention unexpectedly, and possibly even the interpretation.
In all, video depositions may inadvertently provide the proof needed to win your case.
Posted by
Dan Smith on Mon, Dec 19, 2011 @ 07:00 AM
Being deposed in a video deposition can be intimidating: you have a camera in front of you, recording every word and gesture, while attorneys are firing questions at you, trying to rattle you as you reply. Proper preparation for your video deposition can ensure a successful resolution. In terms of success, the preparation can ensure that you remain composed and level-headed, keeping your emotions in check.
The laws for the usage of a video deposition in San Francisco, CA, are much more technologically-friendly than in other states. Court rooms in California are much more equipped than in states like Illinois, where even telephonic appearances are not common practice. This can be used to your advantage on the west coast as well. If your job or health may prevent you from testifying in person - if you're being deployed in the military, if you're severely ill, etc. - a video deposition may allow you to still participate.
Reviewing all facts and documents prior to the video deposition is a must. Keeping facts and figures fresh in your mind is the only way you'll be able to maintain your composure in the face of opposiing attorneys. It is also important to keep your answers short. Answer only what you were asked, and refrain from offering more information. Sticking to this will help ensure that positive outcome.
Posted by
Dan Smith on Fri, Dec 16, 2011 @ 07:00 AM
Legal videographers recording video depositions can be lucrative, consistent, and enjoyable. Working on various types of cases, moving locations daily, and having a steady work flow are some of the desirable aspects of the job, as reported by legal videographers. Gaining the knowledge to succeed in this career can be quick, allowing trained individuals to take advantage of the job market.
With a concentration of law firms in and around metropolitan Jacksonville, the legal videographers in Jacksonville, Florida, can work close to home and as much (or as little) as they desire. With civil and criminal cases needing one, two, sometimes three or more depositions per case - and with depositions lasting several hours to possibly several days - there is plenty of work for skilled professionals. Finding those job opportunities often comes from court reporting firms, but some legal videographers may be able to contract work directly.
The changing subject matters, the characters in the room, etc., make the work of legal videographers rather exciting and entertaining. It is important for all legal videographers to be well-trained in their profession. Proper education on the equipment, framing, and sound capturing is vital, as the depositions can not be repeated due to poor technical aspects.
Posted by
Dan Smith on Wed, Dec 14, 2011 @ 07:00 AM
The use of video legal authorities tell us can make or break a case. Footage goes beyond a recorded deposition or court room proceeding. In fact, the footage may be recorded even before it's needed in a case. For example, immediately after an accident, footage can be recorded at the scene of a crime. This video would preserve the evidence and perspective of the events in question.
Making the use of crime scene video legal in Houston, Texas, or any other state with consumer-oriented laws, can put the consumer at risk. The most common situation is with security cameras: the footage is recorded, sometimes without the consumer knowing. All actions are recorded, whether or not a crime is committed.
With so much public video legal rights are questioned: should we assume there is no privacy in public? Where is it safe to assume we are NOT recorded? Especially with technological improvements producing smaller cameras, these devices can be hidden anywhere: pens, inside bookshelves, even in shirt buttons! Plus, the cost is low enough to make it accessible to any consumer.
It should be assumed that when in public, your image and actions may be recorded. Privacy isn't as available as it used to be.
Posted by
Dan Smith on Mon, Dec 12, 2011 @ 07:00 AM
Legal Video recordings are in high demand throughout the New Jersey legal community. Some examples of the usage of this technology includes teleconferences, inspections related to civil or criminal cases, and even promotional commercials on behalf of a law firm. The demand is so great, that there is a shortage of skilled operators.
The usage of Legal Video in Trenton, New Jersey legal cases is helping attorneys gain business, form their strategies, and minimize lost time in preparation. With today's technology, recording high quality video and audio is no longer out of the financial range of most small firms or solo practicioners. Getting good footage, however, should be left to a professional. They can be reached by contacting stenography companies and court reporting firms.
This legal video technology supports a case, but should not be solely relied upon as the winning strategy. With technology comes gaffes and errors: gliches in live recordings exist. While equipment is checked ahead of time, things happen. A backup in the form of a court reporter transcript is a good safety in a deposition. Additionally, what one attorney may think is his game-winning testimony in words, might reveal an advantage for the opposing counsel in terms of the recorded individual's demeanor on camera. Even with strong testimony, if a witness appears shifty or untrustworthy, a jury may not be persuaded to trust that person.
Posted by
Dan Smith on Fri, Dec 09, 2011 @ 07:00 AM
With almost 20 million people in New York, it's no surprise that legal videography careers are rapidly growing. With court cases, depositions, even teleconferencing, comes a demand for technology. Filming legal proceedings and related events is a common practice for both individuals and large firms. It is easily accessible with today's equipment, and also quite affordable.
Less than a decade ago, accessibility to high quality video and audio equipment for legal videography in New York City was limited. Today, however, the technology is much more consumer friendly, pricing HD cameras within a reasonable range. Owning and maintaining this equipment required a lower investment and overhead, making legal videography more profitable for the owners and operators.
Affordability is a chief concern when a client utilizes legal videography. As mentioned, the lower overhead allows this service to be priced more competitively. The cost for the equipment set up, operation, and operator is usually priced per hour. Some depositions may last one hour, while others may last all day. The same is true for court proceedings. However, with so many cases and firms requiring this service, the demand is constantly growing. More and more film students are joining legal videography companies as a solid source of income.
Posted by
Dan Smith on Mon, Dec 05, 2011 @ 07:00 AM
So you've been called to have a deposition video taken of yourself - you will be asked questions in relation to a pending civil or criminal case and your responses will be recorded. In hearing that one's testimony will be preserved and scrutinized, many people get nervous over the upcoming performance. Relax: many people go through a videotaped deposition and live to tell about it.
For example, taking a deposition video in San Antonio, Texas, where there are a lot of military personnel stationed, would be beneficial for all parties. By recording the deposition, the case can continue even during a soldier's deployment, meaning a less drawn-out resolution. The character of an individual, and how they communicate non-verbally, will be just as important as the words being conveyed.
In a deposition video, you're under the microscope. Every movement, eye contact (or lack thereof), tone of voice, etc., is interpreted by the attorneys, and eventually a judge and jury. It's important to relax, breathe, look in to the eyes of the attorney asking you questions, instead of away or down, and speak carefully. Take time to formulate your response, if need be. Think before speaking, and speak clearly so that every word is understood by all parties. By following these steps, you will come through on the video deposition more positively.
Posted by
Dan Smith on Fri, Dec 02, 2011 @ 07:00 AM
In today's technologically savvy world, the use of video in events like video depositions is commonplace. Everything in today's society is digitally documented: scanned papers, emails, even videos. No longer does an attorney need to rely solely on inch-thick deposition transcripts. They can fast forward to specific moments caught on film. As more and more offices are utilizing this technology, court reporting firms are rapidly expanding their work force. Experienced personnel to manage the recordings are in high demand.
Demand is expanding for video depositions in Atlantic City, NJ, all the way to Ontario, California. For those with experience setting up audio and video equipment, capturing the event cleanly and then transferring it to DVD or hard drive, there is plenty of work available. Like any live event, there are no do-overs: the sound and video quality must be excellent. From blocking out extraneous noise to ensuring adequate lighting, the speech and body behavior must all be cleanly documented.
The time commitment varies for video depositions. Some may last only a few hours, while others may last days. As they are taking place throughout the country, people seeking this employment have a high probability of finding opportunities near them. Hourly billing, or even salaried positions with court reporting firms, makes this a potentially lucrative career.
Posted by
Dan Smith on Wed, Nov 30, 2011 @ 07:00 AM
For soldiers engaged in litigation when deployed overseas, a video deposition can allow their case to continue instead of placing it on hold until the end of deployment. This is beneficial for all parties: the soldier and his or her family can move forward (hopefully with a settlement in their favor), the attorneys can move forward instead of needing to basically start over at the end of deployment, and to the legal system, which can hear the case once rather than in piecemeal.
Playing a video deposition in Owensboro, KY, while that soldier is off in Afghanistan, may create sympathy with the jurors. It also allows the entire courtroom to see and hear from the deponent him- or herself. Inflection, personality, character, etc., all come through in the video. If a paralegal or other assistant simply read the court transcripts aloud, none of that would be accessible for the jury or judge.
The video deposition requires the same preparation as all other depositions. In fact, since every movement and word will be preserved on tape, and a deployed soldier will be unable to defend themselves in court, the deponent needs to be more cautious of body language, etc. Unlike a conventional deposition, even the smallest moment can be replayed over and over and made in to something it was not intended to be.