Sorry to hear about this and I can not comment about Conley or your dealing for I do not know both sides of the story. But would like to encourge you to get your paperwork and story together (ducks in order) and go to see a lawyer to run the story by him and see what he says. Also to get pointers on how small claims court works in your area. Its should only take a half hour of lawyer time to get the facts on how the court system works ( court is not like on TV just to let you know).Every state is different and even counties in a state have certain procedures that differ. Here is how it works in my area for example. First you send a certified letter to a company or person your are requesting money from( send them a bill with a coverletter explaining in brief the amount you require in full and a date you would like your money or you will proceed in the steps to small claims court.)
Next you go to the court house with a breif statement of fact typed up and file a claim to be heard (cost $65 ask for this amount back in you claim) then you get a letter of a date to appear at phase one of small claims court (pretty much set in a room with other people waiting for clerks to call both parties up front to there desk) (you learn first hand you really are a number in life) there are many clerk working at one time. The question they ask to the person you are sewing is do the accept or decline the statements you have made. If they decline which they will if they showed up or have not paid you already. Then the set you down in order to appear infront of the court commissioner to decide if breif if you need a trail date set. After setting a date that you will appear infront of him to tell the whole case you leave. Then appear on the date give to the court commissioner your to tell your story and he will decide and make a judgement. If after his judgement you disagree you file a form to appear infront of the judge (this is where you need a lawyer to represent you). Judgement are clearly made by how the court commissioner feels in the morning when he puts his pants on. (no joke). Also court is only a paper handling party they do not go get the money you win for you. But place a judgement on the person that will haunt them for sometime when the try to purchase items with credit.
Help full hints
1. Gets your ducks in order
2. see a lawyer
3.make copies of every thing you send and send it certified.
4. Add lawyer fee into claim with any postal fees and the court cost.(there are two types of small claim court one is for less than $5,000 and the other is above $5,000 and you need a lawyer present.
learn to have things in writing.
5.Make sure you are sewing the correct person, or company. get it strait it matters.
6. Be respectful |