I recently accompanied a family member to Fresno County Superior Court, Department 401.
This family member had made numerous trips to court for eviction proceedings on a house in an unincorporated area of the county.
First off, the folks who were there to do evictions were hustled onto wooden benches and told no talking, hat-wearing, sunglass-wearing, food or beverages allowed. Then I noticed several lawyers sitting in the jury box; two were sipping their beverages. I’m thinking that’s not right.
Then, the real show started. An elderly gentleman stated this was his third trip, and he hoped he had everything in order. Nope, he was told, go see the clerk and come back next month. That happened to every civilian in that courtroom.
The 10 or so lawyers? Treated courteously. Their cases sailed on to fruition.
My family member is no dummy. He met up with one of the lawyers in the parking lot and hired him on the spot.
So, a word to the wise. Doing an eviction? Hire a lawyer. This court is like a visit to the DMV. California, why we do we continue to live here?
Helen Souza
Tulare
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