smallclaims101
Junior Member
What is the name of your state? CALIFORNIA
Hi,
So I travelled from the Bay Area all the way down to Los Angeles where I used to live in order to appear in a small claims case involving an unsmoggable car. After spending $250 to get there (gas is expensive), the defendent did not show up. Of course, the judge ruled in my favor and I went home knowing that the defendent still had something up his sleeve.
So, of course, I received a Notice of Motion to Vacate Judgement yesterday and the reason given was that the defendent had just gotten a job and had to go to a work week training with the company. I have my own opinion on whether or not this is a good reason, but the judge has to decide.
My question is that since I cannot afford to travel to the jurisdiction of the hearing but I really want to argue against this reason for missing court, if I write a letter to the court with attention to the judge, will the judge consider what I have to say in the letter if I am not there in person?
If I have to show up in person, will another $250 be added to the original judgement for my travel expenses?
If I do not show up, what is the likelihood that the Motion will be granted?
Thanks.
Hi,
So I travelled from the Bay Area all the way down to Los Angeles where I used to live in order to appear in a small claims case involving an unsmoggable car. After spending $250 to get there (gas is expensive), the defendent did not show up. Of course, the judge ruled in my favor and I went home knowing that the defendent still had something up his sleeve.
So, of course, I received a Notice of Motion to Vacate Judgement yesterday and the reason given was that the defendent had just gotten a job and had to go to a work week training with the company. I have my own opinion on whether or not this is a good reason, but the judge has to decide.
My question is that since I cannot afford to travel to the jurisdiction of the hearing but I really want to argue against this reason for missing court, if I write a letter to the court with attention to the judge, will the judge consider what I have to say in the letter if I am not there in person?
If I have to show up in person, will another $250 be added to the original judgement for my travel expenses?
If I do not show up, what is the likelihood that the Motion will be granted?
Thanks.