Can I offer deposition testimony from a civil case in my case in chief ag a Def as an admission ag interest? This is an 18 wheeler case neg homicide with bad brakes and bald tires.Must I wait for cross and hope the Def takes the stand?

Is it the defendant's deposition?

If the defendant was the one deposed, and he was NOT compelled to make the admission, it would seem admissible as an admission of a party under 801(e)(2)(a).