Legal Question in Business Law in Florida

Statement

A friend is involved in a situation and has asked me to submit a statement with the intent of using it in a lawsuit. Should I have a lawyer review the statement I submit and should I even submit one at all. Thanks


Asked on 7/09/09, 2:07 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Sarah Grosse Sarah Grosse, Esquire

Re: Statement

First of all, you have done the right thing by asking the question. It means you are thinking, and that's always a good thing.

Mr. Chamberlin is 100% correct that it depends on what kind of statement, what kind of suit, etc. You don't want to say something which could later be used against you. You also cannot lie to a court to help a friend. If your motives are completely pure, your hands are completely clean, and you are merely stating what you know, and this is a civil matter, it is **probably** okay to say what you know. Just be aware that if you are lying for a friend, you are somehow implicated in liability, there's a co-pending criminal case, etc.... you should probably not say anything and get a lawyer. And, when in legitimate doubt, close mouth and call a lawyer.

It's so hard to gauge a situation here on LawGuru without knowing any surrounding facts. Hope that was somewhat helpful anyway.

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Answered on 7/10/09, 7:41 am
Hunter Chamberlin Chamberlin Butler & Crowe, P.A.

Re: Statement

It depends on what the lawsuit is about, and what your involvement is. I would suggest at the very least that you have a conversation with an attorney and explain the details with him or her. Chances are, though, that if you are involved in any meaningful way, you will have to give a deposition anyway. However, you do not want to have statements that can be later used against you.

I would be happy to answer any additional questions you might have. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience.

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Answered on 7/09/09, 2:40 pm


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