What if you don t know the answer to an interrogatory?

How do you answer an interrogatory when you don't know the answer?

If you are unable to answer a specific question because you don't know or don't have access to the appropriate information, you must indicate the reasons. You may refer to a previous response when responding to an interrogatory providing the previous response sufficiently answers the later interrogatory.

Can I say I don't remember in court?

If you do not know an answer, say so. Do not give attorneys answers you think they want. If you do not remember, say you don't remember – not that you do not know. Do not guess if you are not sure, unless you are instructed to give an estimate.

How to avoid answering interrogatories?

If you are unable to answer an interrogatory because it is too vague, ambiguous, or somehow objectionable, you can state an objection and the reason for your objection.

What happens if you lie during interrogation?

Often, when a defendant denies committing a crime, officers might interrupt and insist there's evidence proving their guilt. While police can legally lie during interrogations, suspects aren't given the same freedom. If a suspect lies, they could face charges for providing false information or obstructing justice.

What happens after interrogatories are answered?

What Happens Once You Receive an Interrogatory? All of the questions must be responded to in writing and it must be done under oath. Often, once you answer the questions, the other side will use the answers to gather more information.

Who signs the answers to the interrogatories?

(2) The answers are to be signed by the person making them, and the objections signed by the attorney making them. (3) The party upon whom the interrogatories have been served shall serve a copy of the answers, and objections if any, within 30 days after the service of the interrogatories.

Can you object to interrogatories?

You have 30 days after the form or special interrogatories were served to you (35 days if served by mail from within California) to serve your responses to the interrogatories. Sometimes, rather than answering the interrogatory, you may wish to object to the request on legal grounds.

Are interrogatories hearsay?

Answering Each Interrogatory

They can be used at the summary judgment stage, in pretrial motions and hearings, and/or at trial. Answers to interrogatories are signed under oath, and are not considered hearsay, because they constitute a statement by the party opponent.

What is an insufficient answer to interrogatories?

(a) Each answer in a response to interrogatories shall be as complete and straightforward as the information reasonably available to the responding party permits. (b) If an interrogatory cannot be answered completely, it shall be answered to the extent possible.

What happens if someone ignores a motion to compel?

If a party or party's officer, director, or managing agent fails to obey a discovery order, the court may issue further orders. A court must also order a disobedient party, the advising attorney, or both to pay expenses resulting from the failure to reply.

What to do when opposing counsel won't respond?

Call for Assistance. If opposing counsel is not responding to you or anyone else, it may be time to call your state attorney assistance program. Attorney counselors may be able to contact the attorney directly.

Can you just walk out of an interrogation?

You can say, “I do not want to talk to you” and walk away calmly. Or, if you do not feel comfortable doing that, you can ask if you are free to go. If the answer is yes, you can consider just walking away.

How can you tell if someone is lying when questioned?

What happens if you say nothing in an interrogation?

You have the constitutional right to remain silent. In general, you do not have to talk to law enforcement officers (or anyone else), even if you do not feel free to walk away from the officer, you are arrested, or you are in jail. You cannot be punished for refusing to answer a question.

What happens if you refuse to answer interrogatories?

If you do not answer the questions by the deadline, which is usually about a month, the other side could ask the judge to order you to respond to the interrogatories. If you miss the second deadline, the judge could impose a fine against you or strike your pleadings.

What are the disadvantages of interrogatories?

Interrogatories can be quicker, less costly, and less complicated than depositions, but there are downsides. Since the questions are written, the witness may have more time to think and craft answers, rather than providing more candid answers during discovery.

How do you tactfully avoid answering questions?

What not to say in court?

Don't mumble; speak loudly enough to be heard by everyone in the room. Don't lie about anything, not even white [small] lies. If you are discovered to be lying, the judge may find it hard to believe you when you are telling the truth.

Is I don't know an acceptable answer in court?

“I don't know” or “I don't remember” are acceptable answers, but guessing can get you into trouble on cross.

Is saying "I don't know perjury"?

If you're under oath, lying is perjury, and you could be charged with that – especially if what you're falsely claiming not to recall is material to the case. People too often think they can get away with it because no one else can prove what they do or don't remember.