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She owes you money for
her daughter's dance lessons.
2
00:00:03,033 --> 00:00:06,800
- Yes.
- You claim you're owed $946,
3
00:00:06,867 --> 00:00:11,667
then you want $7,200
'cause it includes interest.
4
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I try to be kind to people.
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That's not being kind.
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This is Judy Justice.
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00:00:34,700 --> 00:00:38,834
{\an8}Jennifer Renner
is suing her client, Dani Velasquez,
8
00:00:38,900 --> 00:00:40,834
for dance class fees.
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00:00:40,900 --> 00:00:42,967
Court, come to order. All rise.
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Have a seat, please.
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00:00:45,266 --> 00:00:48,133
{\an8}Hello, Judge. Case #2086,
Renner versus Velasquez.
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00:00:48,200 --> 00:00:50,066
{\an8}- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
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Miss Renner, you run a dance studio.
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I do.
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- How long have you had it?
- Thirty years.
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And what age children do you teach?
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00:00:57,600 --> 00:00:59,967
We have a mommy and me class
which starts at 18 months,
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and our oldest student is 19 years old.
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00:01:02,166 --> 00:01:03,967
And Miss Velasquez
has a daughter.
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Mm-hmm.
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And she was at your school
during what period of time?
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00:01:07,800 --> 00:01:12,834
She started in June of 2020 and
she quit in June of this year.
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00:01:12,900 --> 00:01:16,967
Your lawsuit is simple. You claim
that Miss Velasquez owes you money
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{\an8}- for her daughter's dance lessons.
- Yes.
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{\an8}The Defendant, actually,
disavows owing you any money.
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She said that you actually behaved
in a mean-spirited way
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in not allowing her daughter
to finish her recital.
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So, I'm trying to think back to my days
when I was six and seven.
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And if I remember correctly,
the name of the school that I went to,
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and I know that this is not something that
everybody is breathless to hear about.
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But I haven't had one of these cases,
and I was thinking back to Miss Nottage,
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who had a dancing school in her home
on Parkside Avenue in Brooklyn.
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00:01:53,133 --> 00:01:56,800
And I do remember
that you took classes for...
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00:01:56,867 --> 00:02:02,500
I took toe, tap, ballet and acrobatics,
which was not my strong suit.
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Any of them, none of them
were my strong suit.
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My father always said
that I should sue the city
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because they built the sidewalk too close
to my behind because my legs are short.
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00:02:13,500 --> 00:02:17,800
So, being a ballerina was really not
physically possible for me,
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00:02:17,867 --> 00:02:20,133
but in my mind,
I thought I was a ballerina.
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Anyway, as do most little girls,
I assume.
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So, you work during the year and at
the end of the year of your dance class,
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00:02:27,033 --> 00:02:31,100
I remember you gave a recital.
Everybody got all excited
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and dressed for the recital. I assume
that's what happens in your class.
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00:02:34,567 --> 00:02:37,000
- Mm-hmm. Yes. Yes.
- Yes. That's a yes.
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00:02:37,066 --> 00:02:39,867
Did you have a contract
with Miss Velasquez?
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00:02:39,934 --> 00:02:43,934
I have a registration form which
acknowledges receipt of studio policies.
47
00:02:44,000 --> 00:02:47,834
Well, policies is not a contract.
But I'll take a look at it anyway.
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The question is, do you have
a signed contract with her?
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00:02:50,367 --> 00:02:51,667
- No.
- Okay.
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00:02:51,734 --> 00:02:52,934
May I take a look at that?
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00:03:03,767 --> 00:03:07,467
According to these policies,
which are not a written contract
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because she has not signed this document,
in particular.
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00:03:11,066 --> 00:03:13,934
{\an8}You say you acknowledge receipt of it.
What it mostly is
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00:03:14,000 --> 00:03:18,033
{\an8}to tell them what the instructions are and
give you a release of liability.
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It does indicate here that full tuition
is due on the first class of each month.
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And how much was the tuition
for Miss Velasquez's daughter?
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00:03:26,900 --> 00:03:30,500
From January through June,
it was $170 a month.
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00:03:30,567 --> 00:03:33,934
And then, from September through December
it was $165 a month.
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Okay. So, around $170 a month.
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00:03:36,967 --> 00:03:41,066
And I assume she was current
on her tuition in 2020.
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00:03:41,133 --> 00:03:46,867
And in 2020, did Miss Velasquez make
her payments on the first of each month?
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00:03:46,934 --> 00:03:50,400
Well, I can't say exactly on the first,
but yes, it was always current.
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- Which is why...
- That's not what I asked you.
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Was it made, pursuant to your policies
here on the first of each month?
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I don't know.
I don't remember specifically.
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00:04:00,633 --> 00:04:02,633
What about in 2021?
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00:04:02,700 --> 00:04:05,700
Were her payments made
on the first of each month?
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No.
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00:04:06,767 --> 00:04:11,867
When did she stop making payments in 2021
on the first of each month?
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00:04:11,934 --> 00:04:16,300
Well, I have emailed spreadsheets here,
and so, starting in December,
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she asked me if she could
make small payments,
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00:04:19,233 --> 00:04:22,066
{\an8}increments throughout the month
because she was a single mother,
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{\an8}and wasn't able to make the full payment
on the first of the month.
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So, you said yes, that she could
make payments incrementally.
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Mm-hmm.
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00:04:29,400 --> 00:04:32,633
And do you have that same arrangement
with some other parents?
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I do.
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00:04:33,700 --> 00:04:37,200
How many other parents do you
have that arrangement with?
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00:04:37,266 --> 00:04:39,667
Well, anybody who asks, um, in...
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00:04:39,734 --> 00:04:42,433
How many? You run the school.
How many students do you have?
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Five.
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00:04:43,567 --> 00:04:45,834
You have that arrangement
with this mother, plus five?
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00:04:45,900 --> 00:04:46,767
Mm-hmm.
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00:04:46,834 --> 00:04:49,266
And that is inconsistent
with your policies?
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00:04:49,333 --> 00:04:50,800
I... Yes.
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00:04:50,867 --> 00:04:53,900
That would be a yes.
Now, tell me what happened.
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00:04:53,967 --> 00:04:58,867
{\an8}Miss Velasquez, that caused you
to fall behind in your payments?
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00:04:58,934 --> 00:05:01,266
{\an8}You acknowledge you fell behind
in your payments.
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00:05:01,333 --> 00:05:02,200
{\an8}Yes, I do.
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00:05:02,266 --> 00:05:04,300
When did you fall behind in your payments?
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00:05:04,367 --> 00:05:08,500
I asked Miss Renner if I could start
making payments in September of 2021,
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which I have written, as well,
if you would like to see that.
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00:05:11,333 --> 00:05:14,967
And in October, I didn't pay anything
because my father passed away.
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00:05:15,033 --> 00:05:18,100
And I explained that to her and then
I made up for it in November
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through payments. And
I just continued to pay as I could,
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with being a single mom.
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00:05:22,967 --> 00:05:26,367
Well, that's not a reason to not pay her,
being a single mom,
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as you could. You understand that?
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Yeah, absolutely.
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00:05:29,166 --> 00:05:31,300
Okay. So, I'm sure you're doing
the best you can.
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00:05:31,367 --> 00:05:33,800
You're trying to give your little girl...
How old is she?
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Nine.
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Trying to give her the best possible
experience, it's all wonderful,
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00:05:37,900 --> 00:05:42,300
but this is her business, and if you
owe her money, then you owe her money.
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00:05:42,367 --> 00:05:43,233
Mm-hmm.
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00:05:43,300 --> 00:05:47,400
Since the policies are honored
and sometimes not,
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there is one part of your policy,
even though that this is a contract
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that I actually find ridiculous
because in your lawsuit
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you claim you're owed $946
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{\an8}and $7,169.76 interest.
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00:06:02,567 --> 00:06:04,266
{\an8}That's not happening.
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00:06:04,333 --> 00:06:07,033
And it's not happening.
You gave me an easy out
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00:06:07,100 --> 00:06:09,166
because you really don't enforce
your own policies.
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00:06:09,233 --> 00:06:11,467
I try to be kind to people who need help.
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00:06:11,533 --> 00:06:15,233
I try to be kind, too. Being kind
is not suing somebody for $900
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and suing them for $9,000.
That's not being kind.
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Because, you know,
there's no question that...
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- You agree you owe her some money.
- Yeah.
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00:06:23,867 --> 00:06:28,533
But it's an unconscionable...
Even if there was a contract for it,
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I would probably find that
an unconscionable piece.
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Somebody who owes you less than $1,000
and you want $7,200
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00:06:35,834 --> 00:06:38,934
cause it includes interest.
I find that ridiculous.
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00:06:39,000 --> 00:06:42,633
How many students were in
Miss Velasquez's class?
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00:06:42,700 --> 00:06:44,066
Approximately 18.
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00:06:44,133 --> 00:06:48,200
When you say "approximately 18,"
the number varied based on what?
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00:06:48,266 --> 00:06:51,633
Well, on my memory.
It was either 18 or 19 children,
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I don't remember how many.
That's a very large class.
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Are you the sole teacher?
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00:06:56,166 --> 00:06:59,934
Well, I do the ballet and I have a teacher
who teaches the jazz class.
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00:07:00,066 --> 00:07:01,867
Your daughter takes ballet or jazz?
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00:07:01,934 --> 00:07:03,033
- Or both?
- Both. Yeah.
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00:07:03,100 --> 00:07:05,000
Your daughter stopped going to school
when?
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00:07:05,066 --> 00:07:06,100
May 17th.
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Tell me the circumstances.
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00:07:07,567 --> 00:07:11,066
That was when I got a ledger from, um,
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00:07:11,133 --> 00:07:14,867
{\an8}the studio that said that I owed $965.
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00:07:14,934 --> 00:07:18,967
{\an8}And my math was thinking
I was closer to like $360.
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00:07:19,033 --> 00:07:22,433
So, I kept messaging and asking
where the confusion was
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00:07:22,500 --> 00:07:24,867
and I didn't get a response
until May 27th.
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00:07:24,934 --> 00:07:25,800
That said what?
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00:07:25,867 --> 00:07:29,033
That said I owed $1,300.
And this was from Miss Jenny.
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00:07:29,100 --> 00:07:31,834
And that was for late fees?
What was it for?
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00:07:31,900 --> 00:07:35,300
The dance team and the costumes
for the recital that was coming up.
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00:07:35,367 --> 00:07:39,433
Okay. Well, do you have a ledger?
And I'd like to see your ledger.
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00:07:39,500 --> 00:07:43,633
So far, I have, according to you,
what you owe,
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00:07:43,700 --> 00:07:45,500
- because you did a breakdown
- Yeah.
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00:07:45,567 --> 00:07:49,567
of what you owe. It is your claim
that you owe $846.
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00:07:49,633 --> 00:07:50,734
- Correct?
- Yep.
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00:07:50,800 --> 00:07:54,467
And she says you owe $946.
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00:07:54,533 --> 00:07:57,333
That's without the interest
and the late fees.
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00:07:57,400 --> 00:07:58,333
Yeah.
152
00:07:58,400 --> 00:08:02,133
So, you are actually,
based upon raw numbers,
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00:08:02,200 --> 00:08:03,934
$100 apart.
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00:08:04,000 --> 00:08:08,333
I have an email from her
stating that she owes $947.
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00:08:08,400 --> 00:08:09,867
I'd like to see it, please.
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00:08:10,967 --> 00:08:12,667
And later today...
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00:08:12,734 --> 00:08:16,533
Do you keep a certain amount of clothes
at Miss Barnes' apartment?
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00:08:16,600 --> 00:08:18,433
No, Your Honor,
they're usually in my truck.
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00:08:18,500 --> 00:08:19,767
So, you stay with your mom.
160
00:08:19,834 --> 00:08:24,333
Yeah. That's my primary residence.
Like it's maybe two days out of a week.
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00:08:24,400 --> 00:08:28,567
Mr. White, this is what we're getting.
You see where we're starting to smile now?
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00:08:39,867 --> 00:08:43,633
{\an8}Jennifer Renner
claims her client, Dani Velasquez,
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00:08:43,700 --> 00:08:46,033
{\an8}owes for dance class fees.
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00:08:46,100 --> 00:08:52,033
Okay. So, in this email,
you acknowledge owing $586.
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00:08:52,100 --> 00:08:57,300
And then, $360 for team.
What is team?
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00:08:57,367 --> 00:09:00,467
They did like competition teams
that I allowed my daughter to be on.
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00:09:00,533 --> 00:09:04,066
Before I let her audition, I made sure
that Jenny was okay with my payments.
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00:09:04,133 --> 00:09:05,400
And I sent it all in.
169
00:09:05,467 --> 00:09:08,600
No, I'm just reading the email
which seems to acknowledge
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00:09:08,667 --> 00:09:12,200
that you owed her $947.
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00:09:12,266 --> 00:09:16,567
Yeah. So, the team portion was $361,
which is what I thought was owed...
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00:09:16,633 --> 00:09:21,967
No, you said team and your regular tuition
said that I owed $1,301
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00:09:22,033 --> 00:09:24,700
- when I only owed $586.
- Mm-hmm.
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00:09:24,767 --> 00:09:27,867
So, $586 and $361 are $947.
175
00:09:27,934 --> 00:09:30,834
You're correct.
I just couldn't get any accurate numbers.
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00:09:30,900 --> 00:09:32,800
I'm taking your numbers
that you acknowledged.
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00:09:32,867 --> 00:09:37,000
Right. First she said it was $1,647
I owed, but then she said $1,400...
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00:09:37,066 --> 00:09:41,433
Right now I have... She says
amount owed, $946. You said it was $947.
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00:09:41,500 --> 00:09:46,367
So, let's say it's $947. And that's
without late fees and without interest.
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00:09:46,433 --> 00:09:48,767
So, you would consider that a fair number?
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00:09:48,834 --> 00:09:49,734
Yeah.
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00:09:49,800 --> 00:09:52,066
And Miss Renner,
you would consider that a fair number?
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00:09:52,133 --> 00:09:53,600
- Yes.
- Judgment for the Plaintiff.
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00:09:53,667 --> 00:09:55,100
We're finished. Thank you very much.
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00:09:55,166 --> 00:09:57,100
This court is adjourned.
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00:09:59,367 --> 00:10:02,333
I think it was fair. I just wish that my
daughter would have been able to dance.
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00:10:02,400 --> 00:10:05,133
Money was due to me and
she was not paying.
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00:10:05,200 --> 00:10:07,367
I had to go in and be the one
that broke her heart.
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00:10:07,433 --> 00:10:09,767
She argued with every statement
we sent her.
190
00:10:09,834 --> 00:10:11,734
We've already found a new studio
and it's amazing.
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00:10:11,800 --> 00:10:12,667
Pay your bills.
192
00:10:12,734 --> 00:10:16,300
It's a big blessing in disguise that
my daughter's not with Jenny anymore.
193
00:10:17,767 --> 00:10:20,200
I'm sure you were a great dancer
back in your day.
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00:10:20,266 --> 00:10:21,967
Maybe ballet now, isn't for you
195
00:10:22,033 --> 00:10:24,133
but I'm sure you were
the cutest one in the class.
196
00:10:24,200 --> 00:10:27,900
But I do think it was unconscionable
for the owner of the dance studio
197
00:10:27,967 --> 00:10:31,533
to agree that the mother only owed
around $900,
198
00:10:31,600 --> 00:10:34,000
and she wanted to have this court pay her
199
00:10:34,066 --> 00:10:38,300
almost $9,000 in late fees and interest.
200
00:10:38,367 --> 00:10:40,600
I mean, just, I think,
just unconscionable.
201
00:10:40,667 --> 00:10:43,834
It was a good shot. You know,
usually when you do a contract,
202
00:10:43,900 --> 00:10:48,166
a formal contract, contracts usually say
if any part of this contract
203
00:10:48,233 --> 00:10:52,133
is found to be either
unconscionable or illegal,
204
00:10:52,200 --> 00:10:55,467
the remainder of the contract
remains in full force and effect.
205
00:10:55,533 --> 00:10:57,300
Usually you have something that says that.
206
00:10:57,367 --> 00:11:00,400
Well, this was just an acceptance
of the school policy,
207
00:11:00,467 --> 00:11:02,467
but the school policy clearly
was flexible.
208
00:11:02,533 --> 00:11:06,834
It was, and as soon as she said that,
I was hoping that she would've drawn up
209
00:11:06,900 --> 00:11:10,200
for those five or six parents
that were on a different payment plan,
210
00:11:10,266 --> 00:11:11,133
A different...
211
00:11:11,200 --> 00:11:14,567
I would've hoped that she, as a business
owner, would've drawn up something
212
00:11:14,633 --> 00:11:18,767
mimicking a contract with them
to show what their agreement was.
213
00:11:18,834 --> 00:11:20,200
Memorialize that agreement.
214
00:11:20,266 --> 00:11:23,000
Because as you said, if you're flexible
on this point and that point,
215
00:11:23,066 --> 00:11:24,734
why are you not flexible on the interest?
216
00:11:24,800 --> 00:11:27,100
On the interest part,
which sounded unconscionable.
217
00:11:27,166 --> 00:11:28,100
It did.
218
00:11:28,166 --> 00:11:33,000
Anyway, I really, Sarah, remember those
dance classes and crossing Parkside Avenue
219
00:11:33,066 --> 00:11:37,166
to go to Miss Nottage's studio.
The thing I remember most about it,
220
00:11:37,233 --> 00:11:41,500
was the acrobatics class. I swear,
they had something strung up
221
00:11:41,567 --> 00:11:45,066
that looked like a torture chamber.
It was strung up from the ceiling
222
00:11:45,133 --> 00:11:48,100
and you were put in a harness.
You started from one end of the room
223
00:11:48,166 --> 00:11:51,500
and when you got to the minute,
she pulled you up on a pulley
224
00:11:51,567 --> 00:11:54,834
and you were supposed to do a somersault.
225
00:11:54,900 --> 00:11:57,834
And I remember,
I couldn't get off the ground.
226
00:11:57,900 --> 00:12:01,834
- My little chubby legs were...
- Were flailing?
227
00:12:01,900 --> 00:12:05,633
And I couldn't get my behind
over the rest of my body.
228
00:12:05,700 --> 00:12:08,033
Listen, I'm not a dancer either, so.
229
00:12:08,100 --> 00:12:11,500
Then I started thinking about law school.
I was...
230
00:12:11,567 --> 00:12:13,967
- Think that's a good career path.
- Right.
231
00:12:14,033 --> 00:12:17,934
Case #2088, Jenkins versus Barnes.
All parties, please, step forward.
232
00:12:18,000 --> 00:12:21,700
{\an8}Fanshyia Jenkins
is suing her former roommate,
233
00:12:21,767 --> 00:12:25,834
{\an8}Victoria Barnes, for rent
and a security deposit.
234
00:12:25,900 --> 00:12:29,867
Miss Jenkins, you were
a short-term roommate of the Defendant's.
235
00:12:29,934 --> 00:12:30,800
Yes, ma'am.
236
00:12:30,867 --> 00:12:32,934
She put an ad on the Internet.
237
00:12:33,000 --> 00:12:36,500
{\an8}Yes, it was in a Facebook group.
Um, I was referred by my college.
238
00:12:36,567 --> 00:12:40,100
{\an8}It was for sub-leasing, rentals,
apartments, of that sort.
239
00:12:40,166 --> 00:12:41,166
- A room?
- Yes.
240
00:12:41,233 --> 00:12:43,533
- Do you have a copy of the ad?
- I actually do.
241
00:12:43,600 --> 00:12:45,333
I would love to take a look at it.
242
00:12:45,400 --> 00:12:46,467
No problem.
243
00:12:48,266 --> 00:12:49,633
What college do you go to ?
244
00:12:49,700 --> 00:12:51,367
University of Alabama at Birmingham.
245
00:12:56,600 --> 00:12:59,400
Miss Barnes, you were pretty specific
in this.
246
00:12:59,467 --> 00:13:03,734
This is average, about $800 a month.
Utilities included, unfurnished.
247
00:13:03,800 --> 00:13:08,200
Looking for a female roommate.
Sublease, personal bedroom and bathroom.
248
00:13:08,266 --> 00:13:11,834
Pool, tennis, laundry site. Must be
willing to complete a background check.
249
00:13:11,900 --> 00:13:12,834
Yes, ma'am.
250
00:13:12,900 --> 00:13:15,533
And did you go to look at the room?
251
00:13:15,600 --> 00:13:16,834
Yes, ma'am.
252
00:13:16,900 --> 00:13:17,900
On what date?
253
00:13:17,967 --> 00:13:20,166
It was the same day
that I signed the sub-lease,
254
00:13:20,233 --> 00:13:22,300
which was... I'm so sorry.
255
00:13:22,367 --> 00:13:23,500
It was February the 10th.
256
00:13:23,567 --> 00:13:26,066
No, I moved in on February the 10th,
that is incorrect.
257
00:13:26,133 --> 00:13:31,266
We signed our sub-lease on, I believe
it was actually maybe January 22nd.
258
00:13:31,333 --> 00:13:32,867
Does it have a date on it?
259
00:13:32,934 --> 00:13:35,900
This only has the date for
when I would be moving in and move out.
260
00:13:35,967 --> 00:13:37,300
May I please see it?
261
00:13:37,367 --> 00:13:38,500
The date is on the signature page.
262
00:13:38,567 --> 00:13:40,367
Okay. It's on the last page
of that packet.
263
00:13:40,433 --> 00:13:42,133
You don't have to help her prove her case.
264
00:13:42,200 --> 00:13:43,667
I want to make sure she got it right.
265
00:13:43,734 --> 00:13:45,734
You don't have to help her prove her case.
266
00:13:49,900 --> 00:13:54,333
Well, who crossed this out?
It says "Sublessee is one of...
267
00:13:54,400 --> 00:13:57,533
First it said one, and that's crossed out,
and then it said two
268
00:13:57,600 --> 00:14:00,266
total tenants occupying the premises.
269
00:14:00,333 --> 00:14:02,800
{\an8}I did cross that out
because it is two of us,
270
00:14:02,867 --> 00:14:06,333
{\an8}and I accidentally wrote one. One of one,
but it's two of us, total.
271
00:14:06,400 --> 00:14:08,567
And that was crossed out
on the date that I signed it.
272
00:14:08,633 --> 00:14:09,800
Is that correct?
273
00:14:09,867 --> 00:14:11,700
Yes, there's quite a few things on there.
274
00:14:11,767 --> 00:14:15,867
So, it was agreed that there would only be
the two of you occupying the premises.
275
00:14:15,934 --> 00:14:17,600
- Not completely true.
- Ssh.
276
00:14:17,667 --> 00:14:20,433
That's what it says,
that there would be two people.
277
00:14:20,500 --> 00:14:21,367
Yes, ma'am.
278
00:14:21,433 --> 00:14:23,400
{\an8}Occupying the premises.
Am I correct?
279
00:14:23,467 --> 00:14:25,667
{\an8}In the initial agreement,
I made it clear that...
280
00:14:25,734 --> 00:14:28,967
{\an8}No-no. No "clear."
This says, the sublessee's interest
281
00:14:29,033 --> 00:14:34,834
in the sublessee is one of two total
tenants occupying the premises.
282
00:14:34,900 --> 00:14:38,500
That's what the lease says. Which means,
there are only two people,
283
00:14:38,567 --> 00:14:41,133
according to this sublease,
which is signed,
284
00:14:41,200 --> 00:14:44,000
who will be occupying the premises.
That's all it says.
285
00:14:44,066 --> 00:14:47,867
I haven't finished the next page yet.
But that's what the lease says.
286
00:14:47,934 --> 00:14:51,800
Not what you made clear, not what you
might've said outside of this.
287
00:14:51,867 --> 00:14:53,767
This is what's binding.
288
00:14:53,834 --> 00:14:54,767
Okay.
289
00:14:55,867 --> 00:14:59,266
And this indicates that the sublessee,
that's you.
290
00:14:59,333 --> 00:15:02,266
{\an8}- Yes, ma'am.
- Does not need to obtain
291
00:15:02,333 --> 00:15:05,033
{\an8}- her permission, overnight guests.
- Not at all.
292
00:15:05,100 --> 00:15:08,600
{\an8}Which would make sense that she
doesn't need your permission
293
00:15:08,667 --> 00:15:10,033
to have overnight guests.
294
00:15:10,100 --> 00:15:11,100
Yes, ma'am.
295
00:15:11,166 --> 00:15:14,233
This is what your case is about,
now I've read this agreement.
296
00:15:14,300 --> 00:15:16,033
You moved in February 10th?
297
00:15:16,100 --> 00:15:16,967
Yes, ma'am.
298
00:15:17,033 --> 00:15:19,834
And started to have difficulty
because Miss Barnes has a boyfriend.
299
00:15:19,900 --> 00:15:21,500
- That would be you.
- Yes, ma'am.
300
00:15:21,567 --> 00:15:22,934
And he was there a lot.
301
00:15:23,000 --> 00:15:24,333
No, that was not a problem.
302
00:15:24,400 --> 00:15:27,533
Well, according to you,
it was a problem when he had his own key.
303
00:15:27,600 --> 00:15:28,467
Yes.
304
00:15:28,533 --> 00:15:31,100
And he came, according to you, unannounced.
305
00:15:31,166 --> 00:15:32,767
Yes, ma'am. Alone.
306
00:15:32,834 --> 00:15:36,533
{\an8}Well, it doesn't say
that he has to be announced.
307
00:15:36,600 --> 00:15:40,800
{\an8}I can understand it if he
was occupying the residence
308
00:15:40,867 --> 00:15:42,700
with his own key and there all the time.
309
00:15:42,767 --> 00:15:45,967
That certainly would be
in violation of the lease.
310
00:15:46,033 --> 00:15:47,767
Would you stand up for a second?
311
00:15:47,834 --> 00:15:49,567
Tell me your name, sir.
312
00:15:51,500 --> 00:15:52,600
It's Shawn White.
313
00:15:52,667 --> 00:15:55,633
Are you and the Defendant
currently living together now?
314
00:15:55,700 --> 00:15:56,600
No.
315
00:15:56,667 --> 00:15:58,433
- Have you ever lived together?
- No.
316
00:15:58,500 --> 00:16:02,100
Can you tell me why it would be that
you would have a key to her premises?
317
00:16:02,166 --> 00:16:05,133
Well, she is my fiancée.
We've been together almost...
318
00:16:05,200 --> 00:16:06,900
- Because she's your fiancée.
- Yeah.
319
00:16:06,967 --> 00:16:08,667
When did she become your fiancée?
320
00:16:08,734 --> 00:16:09,734
Around a year ago.
321
00:16:09,800 --> 00:16:12,066
And is there any reason why
you're not living together?
322
00:16:12,133 --> 00:16:15,367
- Yes. In recent...
- Just... Yes. You're gonna tell me.
323
00:16:15,433 --> 00:16:19,500
Yes, ma'am, I'll tell you.
In recent events, I just lost my father,
324
00:16:19,567 --> 00:16:21,467
{\an8}and I'm trying to launch
my trucking company
325
00:16:21,533 --> 00:16:23,500
{\an8}and get it off the ground,
so it's just...
326
00:16:23,567 --> 00:16:25,266
{\an8}wouldn't be the best thing right now.
327
00:16:25,333 --> 00:16:28,800
How far is your residence
from your fiancée's?
328
00:16:28,867 --> 00:16:30,166
About an hour and a half.
329
00:16:30,233 --> 00:16:32,467
And her residence
from your business?
330
00:16:32,533 --> 00:16:35,967
I'm a truck driver, so I'm always mobile.
And where I load it,
331
00:16:36,033 --> 00:16:37,333
she's usually close to it.
332
00:16:37,400 --> 00:16:38,934
And that's when you stay at the house?
333
00:16:39,000 --> 00:16:39,934
Yeah.
334
00:16:40,000 --> 00:16:42,367
And how many times a week
do you load your truck?
335
00:16:42,433 --> 00:16:44,066
Close to her,
maybe two or three times.
336
00:16:44,133 --> 00:16:45,567
- Two or three times a week?
- Yeah.
337
00:16:45,633 --> 00:16:49,533
So that means you're spending either
two or three nights a week at her house.
338
00:16:49,600 --> 00:16:50,633
Yes.
339
00:16:50,700 --> 00:16:53,567
Yes. And that's been going on
for how long, sir?
340
00:16:53,633 --> 00:16:54,967
Just this year.
341
00:16:55,033 --> 00:17:00,900
So far, we're doing fine. You see,
I don't yell unless someone provokes me.
342
00:17:00,967 --> 00:17:01,967
Heard.
343
00:17:03,333 --> 00:17:08,200
He seems like a very nice man,
nothing that frightens me. Right?
344
00:17:08,266 --> 00:17:13,400
And he visits his mother on Sunday.
The guy is a hero. Perfect for you.
345
00:17:13,467 --> 00:17:14,533
Thank you.
346
00:17:14,600 --> 00:17:16,367
I don't know what you want from her.
347
00:17:29,166 --> 00:17:32,500
{\an8}Fanshyia Jenkins
claims her former roommate,
348
00:17:32,567 --> 00:17:37,033
{\an8}Victoria Barnes, owes for rent
and a security deposit.
349
00:17:37,100 --> 00:17:42,000
Mr. White, do you keep a certain amount
of clothes at Miss Barnes' apartment?
350
00:17:42,066 --> 00:17:43,834
No, Your Honor, they're usually
in my truck.
351
00:17:43,900 --> 00:17:46,300
When you're going to stay over,
do you bring up a bag
352
00:17:46,367 --> 00:17:48,800
or do you bring up a backpack?
What do you bring up with you?
353
00:17:48,867 --> 00:17:50,166
A bag and a backpack.
354
00:17:50,233 --> 00:17:52,133
Do you have toiletries in her bathroom?
355
00:17:52,200 --> 00:17:53,066
No, ma'am.
356
00:17:53,133 --> 00:17:54,433
- You carry that with you.
- Yes.
357
00:17:54,500 --> 00:17:57,834
Now, when you're on the road, if you
stay over two or three days a week,
358
00:17:57,900 --> 00:18:00,767
at Miss Barnes' house
and you're on the road,
359
00:18:00,834 --> 00:18:04,233
how many days a week are you on the road
and sleeping either in your truck
360
00:18:04,300 --> 00:18:06,100
or at a motel or at a truck stop?
361
00:18:06,166 --> 00:18:08,266
Between two and three days.
It's all dependent on where I go.
362
00:18:08,333 --> 00:18:13,166
So, that brings us to maybe
five days a week or six days a week.
363
00:18:13,233 --> 00:18:14,600
And where is your home?
364
00:18:16,333 --> 00:18:18,000
Is that where your father lives?
365
00:18:18,066 --> 00:18:19,400
I'm sorry, but he's passed. He's...
366
00:18:19,467 --> 00:18:20,667
- Oh, he passed.
- Yes.
367
00:18:20,734 --> 00:18:22,734
So the house
that you're staying in
368
00:18:22,800 --> 00:18:24,333
- is his house.
- Yeah.
369
00:18:24,400 --> 00:18:26,200
- Anybody else live there?
- My mother.
370
00:18:26,266 --> 00:18:28,800
So, that one day a week
you stay with your mom.
371
00:18:28,867 --> 00:18:32,500
It's usually probably on Sunday,
when I don't have anything to do.
372
00:18:32,567 --> 00:18:34,433
Do you stay at your mother's house?
373
00:18:34,500 --> 00:18:39,133
Yes, that's my primary residence.
It's maybe two days out of a week.
374
00:18:39,200 --> 00:18:43,433
Mr. White, this is what we're getting.
You see where we're starting to smile now?
375
00:18:43,500 --> 00:18:48,633
If you see your mother on Sundays
and you're on the road half the week,
376
00:18:48,700 --> 00:18:51,734
and you're at the Defendant's house
half a week,
377
00:18:51,800 --> 00:18:55,600
you can tell me from today
until the cows come home
378
00:18:55,667 --> 00:18:58,834
{\an8}that your mother's house
is your primary residence,
379
00:18:58,900 --> 00:19:02,133
but if you look at it objectively...
Put your hand down.
380
00:19:02,200 --> 00:19:06,233
If you look at it objectively,
you're on the road part time...
381
00:19:06,300 --> 00:19:10,633
When you're not on the road,
three times as many days a week,
382
00:19:10,700 --> 00:19:14,500
you stay at her house. One day,
you stay at your mother's house.
383
00:19:14,567 --> 00:19:18,133
And you tell me that's been going on
since the beginning of the year,
384
00:19:18,200 --> 00:19:23,133
which would be January or so of 2022.
That's what you just told me.
385
00:19:23,200 --> 00:19:24,800
And that actually makes sense.
386
00:19:24,867 --> 00:19:29,100
I beg to differ, like, the time that
I stay there, it might be eight hours,
387
00:19:29,166 --> 00:19:31,033
and then, I'm back on the road.
388
00:19:31,100 --> 00:19:32,300
I don't care.
389
00:19:32,367 --> 00:19:35,200
And it's like maybe two days
out of a week, it's...
390
00:19:35,266 --> 00:19:36,900
Now you can sit down, Mr. White.
391
00:19:38,333 --> 00:19:41,800
Okay. I get the scenario.
Not unusual you were unhappy
392
00:19:41,867 --> 00:19:46,100
with this more frequent access
than you were advised of.
393
00:19:46,166 --> 00:19:49,667
May I add... I was not unhappy
with how much he was there.
394
00:19:49,734 --> 00:19:55,333
It was only the fact that he had came in
by himself and she hadn't let me know.
395
00:19:55,400 --> 00:19:57,467
{\an8}I only had told her that
that made me uncomfortable,
396
00:19:57,533 --> 00:19:59,133
{\an8}and I got kicked out for it.
397
00:19:59,200 --> 00:20:00,533
That's not true, Your Honor.
398
00:20:00,600 --> 00:20:04,000
Well, when you say "got kicked out,"
I think you acknowledge
399
00:20:04,066 --> 00:20:06,266
that you gave her
a 30 day notice to leave.
400
00:20:06,333 --> 00:20:07,400
Yes, ma'am, I did.
401
00:20:07,467 --> 00:20:11,700
And other than
this issue of house guests,
402
00:20:11,767 --> 00:20:14,200
were there any other issues
that you had with her?
403
00:20:14,266 --> 00:20:16,900
When the situation happened, she texted
me and asked me where I was.
404
00:20:16,967 --> 00:20:19,333
I told her when I got home
we can have a conversation.
405
00:20:19,400 --> 00:20:20,967
And that's when an argument ensued,
406
00:20:21,033 --> 00:20:22,967
and multiple arguments happened
after that.
407
00:20:23,033 --> 00:20:25,834
Were they all about house guests?
408
00:20:25,900 --> 00:20:26,967
Just about, yes, ma'am.
409
00:20:27,033 --> 00:20:30,066
And at the beginning,
they were all about Mr. White.
410
00:20:30,133 --> 00:20:31,166
Right.
411
00:20:31,233 --> 00:20:35,600
Okay. And your sublease agreement
actually specifically says
412
00:20:35,667 --> 00:20:38,066
- that only two people are living there.
- Yes, ma'am.
413
00:20:38,133 --> 00:20:40,500
And Mr. White has already
made it crystal clear to me
414
00:20:40,567 --> 00:20:44,200
that he spends his time
either on the road or at your house,
415
00:20:44,266 --> 00:20:48,967
visiting his mom on Sunday.
And that sort of makes this fuzzy.
416
00:20:49,033 --> 00:20:53,567
Okay. Anyway, it didn't work out.
He seems like a very nice man.
417
00:20:53,633 --> 00:20:56,867
- Nothing that frightens me. Right?
- Thank you.
418
00:20:56,934 --> 00:21:02,467
And he visits his mother on Sunday.
The guy is a hero. Perfect for you.
419
00:21:02,533 --> 00:21:03,734
Thank you.
420
00:21:03,800 --> 00:21:06,600
So, you moved out,
got another apartment, whatever it is.
421
00:21:06,667 --> 00:21:08,100
I don't know what you want from her.
422
00:21:08,166 --> 00:21:10,800
I want the money that I gave her, um...
423
00:21:10,867 --> 00:21:12,000
What money?
424
00:21:12,066 --> 00:21:13,900
So, she made me pay her
a security deposit...
425
00:21:13,967 --> 00:21:15,367
- No, just a second.
- Yes, ma'am.
426
00:21:15,433 --> 00:21:17,266
- Security deposit. Fine.
- Yes.
427
00:21:17,333 --> 00:21:19,300
Did you get your security deposit
back?
428
00:21:19,367 --> 00:21:20,767
- No, ma'am.
- Absolutely not.
429
00:21:20,834 --> 00:21:22,066
How much was your security deposit?
430
00:21:22,133 --> 00:21:23,567
Three hundred and fifty dollars.
431
00:21:23,633 --> 00:21:25,800
Did you return her security deposit?
432
00:21:25,867 --> 00:21:26,800
No, ma'am.
433
00:21:26,867 --> 00:21:29,200
You have to
return her security deposit.
434
00:21:29,266 --> 00:21:32,100
Being that she left the room damaged,
I didn't feel like I needed to.
435
00:21:32,166 --> 00:21:34,133
You have photographs of the damage?
436
00:21:34,200 --> 00:21:35,834
I have stained carpets...
437
00:21:35,900 --> 00:21:39,533
Just a second. Do you have
photographs of the damage?
438
00:21:39,600 --> 00:21:40,467
No, ma'am.
439
00:21:40,533 --> 00:21:43,867
Good. $350,
she gets her security deposit back.
440
00:21:43,934 --> 00:21:44,967
What's next?
441
00:21:45,033 --> 00:21:48,500
The remainder of the rent for the month
that I moved out. Which I moved out...
442
00:21:48,567 --> 00:21:49,867
- Just a second.
- Yes.
443
00:21:49,934 --> 00:21:51,967
Did you pay her March's rent?
444
00:21:52,033 --> 00:21:54,000
- Yes, ma'am.
- You did?
445
00:21:54,066 --> 00:21:56,266
- You paid at the beginning of the month?
- Yes, ma'am.
446
00:21:56,333 --> 00:21:58,000
Okay. And how much did you pay her?
447
00:21:58,066 --> 00:21:59,834
- $630.
- Incorrect.
448
00:21:59,900 --> 00:22:01,900
Clearly paid you February's rent.
449
00:22:01,967 --> 00:22:03,700
- When she moved in.
- Yes, ma'am.
450
00:22:03,767 --> 00:22:05,533
Did she pay you March's rent?
451
00:22:05,600 --> 00:22:07,700
So, she gave me...
452
00:22:07,767 --> 00:22:10,600
That's either a yes or a no
if she paid you March's rent.
453
00:22:10,667 --> 00:22:13,266
Did you get two months rent
from the Plaintiff?
454
00:22:13,333 --> 00:22:14,367
Yes, I did.
455
00:22:14,433 --> 00:22:15,567
And she moved out...
456
00:22:15,633 --> 00:22:18,767
Can I explain why I don't feel like
I'm entitled to give her the money back.
457
00:22:18,834 --> 00:22:21,834
Because the apartment complex,
when we got into the initial argument
458
00:22:21,900 --> 00:22:23,533
and I was made aware of the slander
459
00:22:23,600 --> 00:22:26,467
and the allegations she was perjuring
against Shawn and myself.
460
00:22:26,533 --> 00:22:29,400
I was told that being as though
I made it legal on paper
461
00:22:29,467 --> 00:22:32,367
that she has 30 days to the resident,
that she would still access
462
00:22:32,433 --> 00:22:35,133
through my apartment for
the remainder of the month of March
463
00:22:35,200 --> 00:22:38,166
until the 17th of April.
And also, Shawn has seen her
464
00:22:38,233 --> 00:22:40,700
sending people to my house,
her coming in and out of my house
465
00:22:40,767 --> 00:22:43,433
when I was at work,
supposedly gathering her things,
466
00:22:43,500 --> 00:22:45,900
but my personal belongings
came up missing. And she had access...
467
00:22:45,967 --> 00:22:49,300
Hold on one second.
After March 17th
468
00:22:49,367 --> 00:22:53,100
did you have any property
in the apartment?
469
00:22:53,166 --> 00:22:56,433
Just be very careful what you say to me.
After March 17th,
470
00:22:56,500 --> 00:23:01,967
you say you physically left the apartment.
Did you have any property there?
471
00:23:02,033 --> 00:23:03,266
That's either a yes or a no.
472
00:23:03,333 --> 00:23:04,967
May I confirm the date?
So I don't give...
473
00:23:05,033 --> 00:23:06,467
- Yes.
- Thank you.
474
00:23:06,533 --> 00:23:09,433
So, the very last day
that I was there was...
475
00:23:09,500 --> 00:23:12,367
- March 22nd.
- Ssh!
476
00:23:12,433 --> 00:23:14,967
You keep doing that.
- I'm agitated, I'm sorry.
477
00:23:15,033 --> 00:23:16,000
I'm sorry.
478
00:23:16,066 --> 00:23:21,567
Okay. So, the very last day that I was
there was on... I believe March 20th.
479
00:23:21,633 --> 00:23:24,233
Oh, then you owe her
for the month of March.
480
00:23:24,300 --> 00:23:29,133
Then you get your security deposit back,
$350. We're finished. Thank you very much.
481
00:23:29,200 --> 00:23:30,533
That's all... ?
482
00:23:30,600 --> 00:23:33,600
That's what she gets,
her security deposit back. That's it.
483
00:23:33,667 --> 00:23:37,166
She gets her security back. Doesn't
get rent, doesn't get moving costs.
484
00:23:37,233 --> 00:23:41,700
Doesn't get damages.
She gets her security deposit back.
485
00:23:41,767 --> 00:23:44,500
Goodbye. Have a happy life.
Have a nice lunch.
486
00:23:44,567 --> 00:23:46,200
This court is adjourned.
487
00:23:47,133 --> 00:23:49,467
{\an8}I really just thought
that everything was fairly normal
488
00:23:49,533 --> 00:23:50,967
{\an8}until the conversation about me...
489
00:23:51,033 --> 00:23:54,667
{\an8}A security deposit is the least of my
concerns because I don't owe her her rent.
490
00:23:54,734 --> 00:23:56,200
{\an8}expressing my discomfort
with her boyfriend
491
00:23:56,266 --> 00:23:57,400
{\an8}being in the house alone with me.
492
00:23:57,467 --> 00:24:00,166
For her to even mention him harming her
in any type of way
493
00:24:00,233 --> 00:24:02,166
is not only offensive
but is disrespectful.
494
00:24:02,233 --> 00:24:05,033
It wasn't like he was my personal friend
or I met him anywhere else.
495
00:24:05,100 --> 00:24:07,934
I met him through her. I just
didn't want to be home alone with him.
496
00:24:08,000 --> 00:24:12,767
Honestly, it's outrageous. To implicate
that I'd do anything to her, is beyond me.
497
00:24:12,834 --> 00:24:15,433
My safety does come first.
I put me first, I gotta put me first.
498
00:24:15,500 --> 00:24:17,967
I wish her nothing but the best,
away from me.
499
00:24:19,300 --> 00:24:22,433
I thought that the fiancé
was absolutely charming.
500
00:24:22,500 --> 00:24:23,567
I did too.
501
00:24:23,633 --> 00:24:25,533
I thought he was such a nice guy.
502
00:24:25,600 --> 00:24:28,200
Visits his mom on Sundays, has a job.
503
00:24:28,266 --> 00:24:32,700
Hardworking. Regular,
stayed home while his dad was ill.
504
00:24:32,767 --> 00:24:36,567
Really a nice guy. But it was clear that,
he may say my primary residence
505
00:24:36,633 --> 00:24:39,600
is with his mother,
but that's a visit on Sunday.
506
00:24:39,667 --> 00:24:42,200
When he can, he stays with his fiancée
in the house.
507
00:24:42,266 --> 00:24:43,133
Yeah.
508
00:24:43,200 --> 00:24:46,934
Clearly, that was not part of the lease.
But forget about that, Sarah.
509
00:24:47,000 --> 00:24:49,266
She's a tough broad.
510
00:24:49,333 --> 00:24:50,734
Little bit of an attitude.
511
00:24:50,800 --> 00:24:53,200
She had a little bit of an attitude.
So, I don't know...
512
00:24:53,266 --> 00:24:56,900
It's always the nice guys that end up with
women with the attitude.
513
00:24:56,967 --> 00:24:58,533
He's gotta watch his p's and q's.
514
00:24:58,600 --> 00:24:59,467
Oh, yeah.
515
00:24:59,533 --> 00:25:03,233
I'm glad they're happy and I'm glad
that they're together in their apartment.
516
00:25:03,300 --> 00:25:05,767
Which is probably the way
she would prefer it anyway.
517
00:25:05,834 --> 00:25:06,900
Yeah, agreed.
518
00:25:08,500 --> 00:25:10,266
Are you a victim of a scam?
519
00:25:10,333 --> 00:25:12,300
Go to JudyJustice.tv.