What to expect during a trial?
Date: Sat, 02/11/2006 - 09:01
If the matter is not resolved before trial date I will have to appear in court and I would just like to know what to expect if that happens. I realize the experience will be humiliating but is it like a trial we see on tv? I don't have a lawyer as I can't afford one and I was told as long as I bring papers, etc I don't need to have a lawyer. I intend to bring letters of my enrollment with the settlement program and to show that one of my credit cards balance was successfully settled already.
I guess what I'd like to know is exactly what will happen once I am in court. Thank you for any insight.
Alot of it will depend on where you live. For the most part, no
Alot of it will depend on where you live. For the most part, non-felony trials in our county are pretty informal. Nothing like you see on TV.
Generally speaking, each side will get to present their argument and then the judge will decide. Since you agree that you owe this debt, I am sure he will find in their favor, BUT if he is sympathetic to your situation then the terms will favor you.
Court Case
You are doing the right thing by showing up. I have been asked to appear in court twice. The 1st time was in 2001 for a defaulted loan. It was just me the Judge and a representative from the Credit Union along with about 15 other people in the court waiting their turn with whatever issues they had. The Judge asked me how much I could pay each month I said $100 the Credit Union rep agreed and that was the end of it.
Nothing to be ashamed about as the audience is in there for the same reason you are and are more worried about their own problems than yours.
The 2nd time I was sued was a few months ago. I did not appear because I was not served the court papers in person and did not think tapping it to my door was legal notification. Guess what - it was legal and I had my wages garnished. I have worked out a deal to get the garn stopped but it has to work its way through the initial 90 day garn period. This I must say has been humiliating because my work was served with court garn papers. Luckely the payroll rep has been very professional and has kept it confidential.
Thing is since they are willing to settle now then they would have been if I had only showed up for court and this whole garn thing could have been avoided.
Bottom line - when served with a court order always respect it and show up at court or you will get burned.
Along with all the papers that you will be carrying in the court
Along with all the papers that you will be carrying in the court, pen down the list of expenses as well as the income in a piece of paper. If you have tried to make a deal with Citicorp and attempted to settle the matter outside the court, take a copy of it as well. Advance some money in writing first to Creditcorp. If they do not accept it, include that document to be taken in the court.
After the judge listens to both the parties and understands that you are willing to pay the debt, probably, he will make decisions favorable to you.
