Court Deadlines—Lawyers in Charleston Explain

If you run a business, then you undoubtedly understand the importance of deadlines. Missing one by even an hour can have serious negative consequences, and nowhere is this concept more valid than in the South Carolina court system. The following are certain legal deadlines of which you should be aware, with a description of what can potentially result if you or your attorneys do not meet them:

  • Initial disclosure.  Also known as discovery, this process is where the defendants, plaintiffs, and their respective attorneys in Charleston share evidence gathered for a case.  Although skillful attorneys may be able to foster negotiations and a settlement at this time, the outcome of discovery often means that each side has a better understanding of how to construct a plea for their case in court.  Discovery, and its accompanying report to the court, must take place as directed.  Otherwise, a mistrial may be declared.
  • Witness disclosure.  Depending upon the circumstances of your particular case, the court will set a deadline for identifying which witness could testify and for indicating whether you plan to have any expert witnesses take the stand.  Unless good cause can be shown as to why these witnesses were not indentified earlier, notifying the court after the deadline has passed puts you at risk of having their testimony excluded from your defense.
  • Affidavit serving.  At times, it may be necessary to have an affidavit of records—where a party offers authentication in place of live testimony—in order to benefit your case.  No matter whether expertise is offered in person or on paper, deadlines apply here as well not just to the filing of such an affidavit, but to objections to it.  If the deadline is not met, you may be forced to watch a witness damage your case, knowing full well that his or her testimony should have been excluded.

The SC attorneys at Young Clement Rivers, LLP are fully abreast of these and other important court deadlines.  We can inform you of them and help you to meet them.  We can also make sure that any lack of cooperation by the opposition regarding deadlines is brought to light in a timely manner.  When you need legal counsel that is quick, sharp, and extremely conscientious, turn to our firm for assistance.

Contact us today

Young Clement Rivers, LLP has the highly qualified and seasoned South Carolina advocates that you need.  To speak to a lawyer in Charleston from our firm today, call 843-577-4000.