1 00:00:00,333 --> 00:00:02,032 I tried to purchase a handgun. 2 00:00:03,100 --> 00:00:06,133 The Department of Justice had said do not release the firearm. 3 00:00:07,799 --> 00:00:09,933 If you're convicted with a felony, 4 00:00:10,000 --> 00:00:12,734 it's for life that you cannot have firearm. 5 00:00:13,467 --> 00:00:14,266 Oh. 6 00:00:15,266 --> 00:00:16,432 Did you ever go to prison? 7 00:00:16,500 --> 00:00:18,233 No. I wouldn't say prison. 8 00:00:18,300 --> 00:00:21,065 [announcer] This is Judy Justice. 9 00:00:21,132 --> 00:00:24,132 [theme music playing] 10 00:00:37,567 --> 00:00:41,399 [announcer] Yoonta Chao is suing gun shop owner, David Liu, 11 00:00:41,466 --> 00:00:43,466 for the refund of a firearm. 12 00:00:44,567 --> 00:00:46,633 [Kevin] Court come to order. All rise. 13 00:00:48,366 --> 00:00:49,200 Have a seat, please. 14 00:00:49,265 --> 00:00:50,767 - [Kevin] Good morning, Judge. - [Judge Judy] Good morning, Kevin. 15 00:00:50,834 --> 00:00:53,265 Case number 1149, Chao versus Liu. 16 00:00:53,332 --> 00:00:54,466 - Thank you. - You're welcome. 17 00:00:54,533 --> 00:00:57,066 [Judge Judy] Mr. Chao, what jurisdiction do you come from? 18 00:00:57,133 --> 00:00:59,432 I--I don't understand. 19 00:00:59,500 --> 00:01:01,533 - What state do you come from? - Oh, California. 20 00:01:01,600 --> 00:01:02,600 [Judge Judy] How long have you lived here? 21 00:01:02,667 --> 00:01:04,599 I lived here all my life. 22 00:01:04,700 --> 00:01:05,533 Thirty-five years. 23 00:01:05,599 --> 00:01:06,933 What kind of work do you do? 24 00:01:07,000 --> 00:01:10,066 I'm currently unemployed, but before that, I was in human resources. 25 00:01:10,132 --> 00:01:11,632 - How for long? - For two years. 26 00:01:11,700 --> 00:01:13,432 Your complaint is a simple one. 27 00:01:13,500 --> 00:01:15,165 You felt, according to you, 28 00:01:15,233 --> 00:01:17,632 the need to have a firearm for protection. 29 00:01:17,700 --> 00:01:18,867 That's correct. 30 00:01:18,933 --> 00:01:22,432 [Judge Judy] Was this the first time you had felt the need for a firearm? 31 00:01:22,500 --> 00:01:24,066 Yes. Yes, Your Honor. 32 00:01:24,132 --> 00:01:29,233 Um especially during earlier this year and last year due to Asian hate crimes, 33 00:01:29,299 --> 00:01:32,667 I felt like, like not safe to the point-- 34 00:01:32,734 --> 00:01:35,734 like I didn't know if they were gonna rob me at my car 35 00:01:35,799 --> 00:01:38,200 or if they were gonna um burglarize my house. 36 00:01:38,265 --> 00:01:40,734 - So I felt the need... - What kind of premises do you live in? 37 00:01:40,799 --> 00:01:42,400 I live in a apartment complex. 38 00:01:42,466 --> 00:01:44,200 [Judge Judy] Had you in the past been threatened? 39 00:01:44,265 --> 00:01:46,233 Uh no. Only... 40 00:01:46,299 --> 00:01:47,533 - No? - [Yoonta] No. 41 00:01:47,599 --> 00:01:49,533 [Judge Judy] The defendant owns a gun shop? 42 00:01:49,599 --> 00:01:50,466 Yes, Your Honor. 43 00:01:50,533 --> 00:01:52,366 - In California? - Correct. 44 00:01:52,432 --> 00:01:54,866 [Judge Judy] How long have you owned that shop, Mr. Liu? 45 00:01:54,933 --> 00:01:55,734 Six years. 46 00:01:55,799 --> 00:01:57,667 Is it close by to where you live? 47 00:01:57,734 --> 00:01:58,567 Correct. 48 00:01:58,633 --> 00:02:01,500 [Judge Judy] You went to Mr. Liu's shop to purchase a gun. 49 00:02:01,566 --> 00:02:02,867 What kind of a gun did you want? 50 00:02:02,933 --> 00:02:06,132 I tried to purchase a uh handgun which is a 9mm. 51 00:02:06,200 --> 00:02:08,199 You wanted a 9mm gun. 52 00:02:08,265 --> 00:02:11,066 - Had you had any training with a gun? - No. 53 00:02:11,133 --> 00:02:13,567 And you had never applied for a gun permit before? 54 00:02:13,667 --> 00:02:14,500 Correct. 55 00:02:14,567 --> 00:02:16,699 [Judge Judy] But according to what I read in your complaint, 56 00:02:16,766 --> 00:02:20,033 13 years ago, while you were in your 20s... 57 00:02:20,099 --> 00:02:21,133 - [Yoonta] Correct. - [Judge Judy] ...early 20s, 58 00:02:21,199 --> 00:02:24,500 you had had either an arrest or a conviction for something. 59 00:02:24,567 --> 00:02:26,734 - Was it gun-related? - No. No, Your Honor. 60 00:02:26,800 --> 00:02:27,966 Did you ever go to prison? 61 00:02:28,033 --> 00:02:30,000 No. I wouldn't say prison. 62 00:02:30,066 --> 00:02:34,000 I went to uh, uh, uh another form of imprisonment. 63 00:02:35,066 --> 00:02:38,400 I forgot. It was like county. I--I--I'm not too sure. 64 00:02:38,466 --> 00:02:42,533 It was to a point where uh uh all-- like everyone that committed a crime 65 00:02:42,599 --> 00:02:45,599 was like together in a-- in a grouping, a household. 66 00:02:45,667 --> 00:02:47,199 Like a halfway house? 67 00:02:47,265 --> 00:02:48,300 Somewhat like that. 68 00:02:48,366 --> 00:02:49,667 [Judge Judy] Could you leave the house? 69 00:02:49,734 --> 00:02:53,734 No. Uh you only could leave to do your work premises that's-- 70 00:02:53,800 --> 00:02:57,432 - that was uh supervised by the uh... - Off premises or... 71 00:02:57,500 --> 00:02:59,066 - [Yoonta] Yes. Off premises. - [Judge Judy] Off premises? 72 00:02:59,133 --> 00:03:00,432 - Correct. - [Judge Judy] Okay. 73 00:03:00,500 --> 00:03:02,933 Was that part of your sentence? 74 00:03:03,000 --> 00:03:04,000 Was that your sentence? 75 00:03:04,066 --> 00:03:08,000 No. That was just a part of just earning good time so I could be released early. 76 00:03:08,066 --> 00:03:10,133 So you were never in prison? 77 00:03:10,199 --> 00:03:12,800 Uh not in prison in, in that sense to the point 78 00:03:12,866 --> 00:03:16,199 where I was locked down like 24/7 or anything of that nature, no. 79 00:03:16,265 --> 00:03:19,165 [Judge Judy] Okay. And how long did you have to remain in that kind of facility? 80 00:03:19,233 --> 00:03:23,133 Uh I only stayed there near--close to three months and then I was released. 81 00:03:23,199 --> 00:03:25,265 - Was it a drug-related crime? - No. 82 00:03:25,332 --> 00:03:28,667 [Judge Judy] Since that time 13 years ago, have you ever been arrested again? 83 00:03:28,734 --> 00:03:29,567 No. 84 00:03:29,633 --> 00:03:31,332 [Judge Judy] Was that the first time you had been arrested? 85 00:03:31,400 --> 00:03:32,300 Correct. 86 00:03:32,366 --> 00:03:33,933 [Judge Judy] So that was the first and only time you... 87 00:03:34,000 --> 00:03:37,633 The first and only time as a--a young adult, yes. 88 00:03:37,699 --> 00:03:40,332 Prior to that, during my younger years, 89 00:03:40,400 --> 00:03:42,366 of course, I was hanging around the wrong crowd 90 00:03:42,432 --> 00:03:45,133 because I--I lived originally from Oakland, California. 91 00:03:45,199 --> 00:03:47,699 It's a really rough neighborhood during that time. 92 00:03:47,766 --> 00:03:50,933 I--I associated myself with the wrong crowd which--from there... 93 00:03:51,000 --> 00:03:52,734 [Judge Judy] So you were arrested as a juvenile? 94 00:03:52,800 --> 00:03:53,633 Yes. Correct. 95 00:03:53,699 --> 00:03:56,699 And this was the first arrest and conviction as an adult? 96 00:03:56,766 --> 00:03:57,599 Correct. 97 00:03:57,667 --> 00:04:01,000 [Judge Judy] What date did you go in to seek to purchase a weapon? 98 00:04:01,066 --> 00:04:04,199 It was on May 21st, 2021. 99 00:04:04,265 --> 00:04:06,800 [Judge Judy] And as part of that process, you have to fill out paperwork. 100 00:04:06,866 --> 00:04:08,233 - [David] Yes? - [Judge Judy] Would you explain 101 00:04:08,300 --> 00:04:10,133 the paperwork process to me, Mr. Liu? 102 00:04:10,199 --> 00:04:13,332 [David] Okay. For California resident, if you need to buy a firearm, 103 00:04:13,400 --> 00:04:17,000 first of all, you have to take a firearm safety certificate test which is... 104 00:04:17,065 --> 00:04:18,500 [Judge Judy] Okay. Did he have that test? 105 00:04:18,567 --> 00:04:19,399 Yes. 106 00:04:19,466 --> 00:04:21,766 [Judge Judy] So, you had a certificate to show him? 107 00:04:21,834 --> 00:04:22,667 Correct. 108 00:04:22,733 --> 00:04:24,165 [Judge Judy] So you had taken some training? 109 00:04:24,233 --> 00:04:26,300 [Yoonta] No. I--I took it that same very day 110 00:04:26,367 --> 00:04:27,733 because initially that's what he-- 111 00:04:27,800 --> 00:04:31,934 was part of the process of-- of purchasing a--a firearm. 112 00:04:32,000 --> 00:04:33,600 So where did you go to take the test? 113 00:04:33,667 --> 00:04:35,500 [Yoonta] At the same location. At his shop. 114 00:04:35,567 --> 00:04:37,432 [Judge Judy] So you showed him how to use it 115 00:04:37,500 --> 00:04:39,132 - and gave him the certificate? - [David] No. 116 00:04:39,199 --> 00:04:41,165 Uh I don't have to show him how to use the gun 117 00:04:41,233 --> 00:04:44,567 but it's his responsibility to know how to use the firearm. 118 00:04:44,632 --> 00:04:47,066 Well, what is the certificate? Is what I'm asking you. 119 00:04:47,132 --> 00:04:50,033 [David] Uh the certificate contained like thirty questions, uh 120 00:04:50,100 --> 00:04:52,899 including like basic firearm laws and... 121 00:04:52,966 --> 00:04:54,600 No. Do you have a copy of it? 122 00:04:54,667 --> 00:04:55,933 - No, Your Honor. - [Yoonta] I do. 123 00:04:56,000 --> 00:04:57,899 [Judge Judy] Do you have a copy of it? I'd like to see it. 124 00:04:57,966 --> 00:04:59,466 Learning something. 125 00:05:00,632 --> 00:05:02,199 [Sarah] Something new every day. 126 00:05:09,266 --> 00:05:12,533 [Judge Judy] Well, this is a dealer record of the sale of firearm. 127 00:05:12,600 --> 00:05:15,533 What is the certificate we're talking about that he has to fill out? 128 00:05:15,600 --> 00:05:18,033 The test come up with 30 question, 129 00:05:18,100 --> 00:05:20,367 10 true and false, 20 multiple choice. 130 00:05:20,432 --> 00:05:22,500 [Judge Judy] Well, I'd like to see the copy of the test. 131 00:05:22,567 --> 00:05:23,867 [David] I don't have the test, Your Honor, 132 00:05:23,934 --> 00:05:26,567 because he didn't ask me to refund him the test. 133 00:05:26,632 --> 00:05:27,567 [Judge Judy] Just a second. 134 00:05:27,632 --> 00:05:31,033 Sarah, can you look up test for firearm, 135 00:05:31,100 --> 00:05:32,066 a certificate. 136 00:05:32,132 --> 00:05:34,066 And that's required by the State of California. 137 00:05:34,132 --> 00:05:36,300 Firearm Safety Certificate. 138 00:05:36,367 --> 00:05:38,699 Firearm Safety Certificate. 139 00:05:38,766 --> 00:05:40,800 I'm just curious what it looks like. 140 00:05:40,867 --> 00:05:43,300 So, he filled out the form. 141 00:05:43,367 --> 00:05:45,500 He got the certificate from you. 142 00:05:45,567 --> 00:05:47,266 He filled out the form in front of you. 143 00:05:47,332 --> 00:05:50,100 And then you have to fill out another form? 144 00:05:50,165 --> 00:05:52,300 Uh after he took the test. 145 00:05:52,367 --> 00:05:53,300 He passed the test. 146 00:05:53,367 --> 00:05:56,199 [Judge Judy] What kind of test did he have to pass? 147 00:05:56,266 --> 00:05:58,632 The Firearm Safety, Safety Certificate. 148 00:05:58,699 --> 00:06:01,300 [Judge Judy] Did you study before you went? 149 00:06:01,367 --> 00:06:04,600 [David] No. I just had knowledge of just firearm in general. 150 00:06:04,666 --> 00:06:07,065 Just--it was just a lot of common sense questions 151 00:06:07,132 --> 00:06:09,867 that you have in regards to uh California law. 152 00:06:09,934 --> 00:06:10,899 I have the test, Your Honor. 153 00:06:10,966 --> 00:06:12,399 Could I take a look at it, Sarah? 154 00:06:15,000 --> 00:06:18,033 So this is a 50-page study guide for the test. 155 00:06:18,100 --> 00:06:20,966 And this is a self-test example of what the test is. 156 00:06:21,033 --> 00:06:22,266 Thank you. 157 00:06:22,332 --> 00:06:24,000 You know, I'm gonna lose this whole thing. 158 00:06:24,065 --> 00:06:26,899 [Sarah] No. You--you've got it. Just--it's touch screen. 159 00:06:26,966 --> 00:06:30,332 [Judge Judy] A safe practice when handling--turn to page four. 160 00:06:30,399 --> 00:06:31,399 Know your target. 161 00:06:31,466 --> 00:06:36,033 As a safety measure, you should always be pointed to the north, to the safest spot. 162 00:06:36,100 --> 00:06:37,199 Up and down. 163 00:06:37,266 --> 00:06:41,432 One of the safety rules to know is how to probably clear a malfunction. 164 00:06:41,500 --> 00:06:42,800 Turn to page five. 165 00:06:42,867 --> 00:06:45,033 [Sarah] So there's a bunch of list of different topics 166 00:06:45,100 --> 00:06:47,066 that you should study for before the test, 167 00:06:47,132 --> 00:06:50,733 and then on this document, there's a few practice questions. 168 00:06:50,800 --> 00:06:53,699 The test would just be those few questions in the beginning. 169 00:06:53,766 --> 00:06:58,899 It would be, like he said, 20 multiple choice and 10 true false. 170 00:07:00,065 --> 00:07:01,567 - Thank you. - [Sarah] Uh-hmm. 171 00:07:03,033 --> 00:07:06,333 [Judge Judy] Do you have any evidence that he lied on this application? 172 00:07:06,399 --> 00:07:07,766 That's either a yes or a no. 173 00:07:07,834 --> 00:07:08,934 - That's not a well. - [David] Yes. 174 00:07:09,000 --> 00:07:11,834 In California, if you're convicted with a felony, 175 00:07:11,899 --> 00:07:14,466 it's for life that you cannot have firearm. 176 00:07:14,533 --> 00:07:15,733 Oh. 177 00:07:20,466 --> 00:07:23,165 [theme music playing] 178 00:07:26,600 --> 00:07:30,567 [announcer] Yoonta Chao claims gun shop owner, David Liu, 179 00:07:30,632 --> 00:07:34,933 owes him a refund after purchasing a gun he never received. 180 00:07:35,000 --> 00:07:37,165 [Judge Judy] Okay. Just curious, Mr. Chao, 181 00:07:37,233 --> 00:07:39,367 did you fill out the answers to these questions? 182 00:07:39,432 --> 00:07:40,233 [Yoonta] Yes, I did. 183 00:07:40,300 --> 00:07:42,100 - [Judge Judy] Did the defendant help you? - [Yoonta] No. 184 00:07:42,165 --> 00:07:44,399 How long did it take you to fill out the form? 185 00:07:44,466 --> 00:07:47,667 Uh it took about like maybe 20 minutes or so. 186 00:07:47,733 --> 00:07:50,899 And after you filled out that form, then there's this... 187 00:07:52,266 --> 00:07:53,667 - [Yoonta] Correct. - ...document? 188 00:07:53,733 --> 00:07:56,567 Because he has to be approved by the Department of Justice, is that right? 189 00:07:56,632 --> 00:07:57,699 Yes, Your Honor. 190 00:07:57,766 --> 00:08:03,065 [Judge Judy] Okay. Well, this is a purchaser's record of sale of firearm. 191 00:08:03,132 --> 00:08:08,466 And it says has the purchaser ever been convicted with a felony 192 00:08:08,533 --> 00:08:13,065 or an offense as defined in the penal code in the last 10 years? 193 00:08:13,132 --> 00:08:17,733 Based upon Mr. Chao, his conviction was 13 years ago. 194 00:08:17,800 --> 00:08:19,065 - Is that right? - Correct. 195 00:08:19,132 --> 00:08:21,132 [Judge Judy] So, he answered the question no. 196 00:08:21,199 --> 00:08:23,367 And you purchased the gun? 197 00:08:23,432 --> 00:08:24,233 Correct. 198 00:08:24,300 --> 00:08:26,132 [Judge Judy] But you did not give him the gun 199 00:08:26,199 --> 00:08:30,432 until after you got a--an approval from the Department of Justice? 200 00:08:30,500 --> 00:08:32,366 - Correct. - [Judge Judy] And so that was May 21st? 201 00:08:32,432 --> 00:08:35,567 - Correct. - [Judge Judy] How long did--Mr. Liu, 202 00:08:35,633 --> 00:08:38,734 based upon your business of experience of six years, 203 00:08:38,799 --> 00:08:41,600 does it usually take to hear back from the Department of Justice? 204 00:08:41,667 --> 00:08:45,466 Usually, it will take about two to four days, 205 00:08:45,533 --> 00:08:48,633 depends on how busy they are to get back to me. 206 00:08:48,700 --> 00:08:51,567 - [Judge Judy] Okay. And this... - [David] Only when they get denied, 207 00:08:51,633 --> 00:08:53,399 reject, or some other reason. 208 00:08:53,466 --> 00:08:55,567 Otherwise, uh after ten days, 209 00:08:55,633 --> 00:08:57,834 the owner can come and pick up the firearm. 210 00:08:57,899 --> 00:09:02,466 So you have uh at least 10 days for the Department of Justice 211 00:09:02,533 --> 00:09:04,100 - to do the background check. - [Judge Judy] Okay. 212 00:09:04,166 --> 00:09:08,133 Yeah. And during the pandemic, sometimes delayed it to 14 days. 213 00:09:08,200 --> 00:09:12,600 - Of course. - [David] But, if the purchaser is denied, 214 00:09:12,667 --> 00:09:15,899 reject, or something, usually that will come electronically. 215 00:09:15,966 --> 00:09:17,332 - [Judge Judy] Okay. - Much faster. 216 00:09:17,399 --> 00:09:19,033 [Judge Judy] In Mr. Chao's case, 217 00:09:19,100 --> 00:09:22,366 did you receive notification from the Department of Justice? 218 00:09:22,432 --> 00:09:23,500 - Yes. - [Judge Judy] Okay. 219 00:09:23,567 --> 00:09:24,833 He came and he paid you for the gun. 220 00:09:24,899 --> 00:09:26,265 How much did you pay him for the gun? 221 00:09:26,332 --> 00:09:31,533 I paid uh with tax and other fees, in total, it'll be $1,370. 222 00:09:31,600 --> 00:09:33,700 I have the invoice here as well too. 223 00:09:33,767 --> 00:09:36,000 [Judge Judy] Okay. He doesn't dispute the amount. 224 00:09:36,066 --> 00:09:37,933 And when you heard back from the Department of Justice, 225 00:09:38,000 --> 00:09:40,667 on what day did you hear from the Department of Justice? 226 00:09:40,734 --> 00:09:43,667 [David] I got the notice on May 28th. 227 00:09:43,734 --> 00:09:45,500 Do you have a copy of that notice? 228 00:09:45,567 --> 00:09:47,232 - Yes. - [Judge Judy] I'd like to see it, please. 229 00:09:49,432 --> 00:09:51,966 [David] And this is the electronic version. 230 00:09:52,033 --> 00:09:54,100 And also the denied. 231 00:09:55,466 --> 00:09:56,799 Thank you. 232 00:09:59,466 --> 00:10:03,667 Okay. So you were advised on the 28th, a week later, 233 00:10:03,734 --> 00:10:05,799 that the Department of Justice had said 234 00:10:05,866 --> 00:10:07,667 do not release the firearm to the purchaser. 235 00:10:07,734 --> 00:10:08,567 [David] Correct. 236 00:10:08,633 --> 00:10:10,600 [Judge Judy] When did you notify the plaintiff? 237 00:10:10,667 --> 00:10:13,700 Uh on the same day. I sent him a text message. 238 00:10:13,767 --> 00:10:15,232 - [Judge Judy] Is that correct? - That is correct. 239 00:10:15,299 --> 00:10:18,432 - Did you ask why? - Uh no. I just--essentially, 240 00:10:18,500 --> 00:10:20,533 I went directly to a refund from that point on. 241 00:10:20,600 --> 00:10:22,833 - I didn't ask why as of yet. - [Judge Judy] Okay. 242 00:10:22,899 --> 00:10:26,366 So from the May 28th on, 243 00:10:26,432 --> 00:10:29,066 you knew that you could not release the firearm 244 00:10:29,133 --> 00:10:31,866 that you were holding for the plaintiff 245 00:10:31,933 --> 00:10:35,466 - for which you were paid $1,370. - Correct. 246 00:10:35,533 --> 00:10:39,866 If we were to examine your records, sir, how many weapons did you sell that week? 247 00:10:39,933 --> 00:10:41,899 - Really depends. Some... - [Judge Judy] No. 248 00:10:41,966 --> 00:10:44,200 - If we were to examine your records... - [David] Uh-huh. 249 00:10:44,265 --> 00:10:48,767 ...from the 25th, 26th, 27th, those three days... 250 00:10:48,834 --> 00:10:49,700 Uh-hmm. 251 00:10:49,767 --> 00:10:52,667 ...how many guns would you say you sold? 252 00:10:52,734 --> 00:10:54,100 How many a day do you sell? 253 00:10:54,165 --> 00:10:56,033 Well, during the pandemic, it's crazy. 254 00:10:56,100 --> 00:10:57,933 I can sell maybe 20 guns a day. 255 00:10:58,000 --> 00:10:59,633 - And you hold them? - Correct. 256 00:10:59,700 --> 00:11:00,866 [Judge Judy] Until you get notification? 257 00:11:00,933 --> 00:11:01,734 Correct. 258 00:11:01,799 --> 00:11:02,799 [Judge Judy] Now this is the case. 259 00:11:02,866 --> 00:11:04,332 You were denied for that. 260 00:11:04,399 --> 00:11:08,000 You will have--will have to take up with the Department of Justice, if you wish. 261 00:11:08,066 --> 00:11:10,200 Your case is simple. You have the gun. 262 00:11:10,265 --> 00:11:15,200 You know you can't sell it to him and you have his $1,370. 263 00:11:15,265 --> 00:11:17,600 Now, I would like you to explain to me, sir... 264 00:11:17,667 --> 00:11:19,600 - [David] Uh-hmm. - ...why you think he's not entitled 265 00:11:19,667 --> 00:11:22,265 to his $1,370 back? 266 00:11:22,332 --> 00:11:25,100 - And explain to this face... - [David] Uh-hmm. 267 00:11:25,166 --> 00:11:27,533 - [Judge Judy] ...very slowly... - [David] Yes. 268 00:11:27,600 --> 00:11:31,299 ...why somebody who's been in business thinks 269 00:11:31,366 --> 00:11:34,899 that for holding on to this gun for five days 270 00:11:34,966 --> 00:11:37,500 when he did not lie in his application, 271 00:11:37,567 --> 00:11:41,432 because according to this, his conviction was 13 years ago. 272 00:11:41,500 --> 00:11:44,466 So, unless you have information to the contrary, 273 00:11:44,533 --> 00:11:48,133 which I will see, because certainly if he lied on the application, 274 00:11:48,200 --> 00:11:49,966 I might feel a little bit sympathetic 275 00:11:50,033 --> 00:11:53,165 if you said I could have sold the gun 10 times over 276 00:11:53,232 --> 00:11:56,000 but I held it because he lied on the application. 277 00:11:56,066 --> 00:12:00,933 So, first, do you have any evidence that he lied on this application? 278 00:12:01,000 --> 00:12:02,265 That's either a yes or a no. 279 00:12:02,332 --> 00:12:03,166 - That's not a well. - [David] Yes. 280 00:12:03,232 --> 00:12:04,933 Yes? What is that evidence? 281 00:12:05,000 --> 00:12:08,133 Because on the FSC, the Firearm Safety Certificate test, 282 00:12:08,200 --> 00:12:09,633 there's one question, 283 00:12:09,700 --> 00:12:13,133 in California, if you're convicted with a felony, 284 00:12:13,200 --> 00:12:15,533 it's for life that you cannot have firearm. 285 00:12:16,265 --> 00:12:17,600 Oh. 286 00:12:17,667 --> 00:12:20,633 See if you can find that but that's not in the application 287 00:12:20,700 --> 00:12:23,299 that you sent to the Department of Justice. 288 00:12:23,366 --> 00:12:27,265 [David] Yes. And also, there's a form he has to fill out for the, uh... 289 00:12:27,332 --> 00:12:28,899 - Just a second, but... - [David] Yes. 290 00:12:28,966 --> 00:12:31,299 ...he wasn't denied from the State of California. 291 00:12:31,366 --> 00:12:35,600 He also filled out the form 4473 for the federal government. 292 00:12:36,466 --> 00:12:37,299 Can I see it? 293 00:12:37,366 --> 00:12:39,567 [David] And this is same question he say no. 294 00:12:39,633 --> 00:12:40,432 [Judge Judy] May I see it? 295 00:12:44,332 --> 00:12:47,200 This is from the US Department of Justice. 296 00:12:47,265 --> 00:12:48,500 Did you fill this out, sir? 297 00:12:48,567 --> 00:12:50,600 I think I did. I--I'm not too sure 298 00:12:50,667 --> 00:12:52,299 because I didn't-- I did not receive a copy. 299 00:12:52,366 --> 00:12:54,000 The only copy I received was that... 300 00:12:54,066 --> 00:12:56,165 [Judge Judy] Well, it looks like you filled it out. 301 00:12:56,232 --> 00:12:58,866 This is a sort of ambiguous question. 302 00:12:58,933 --> 00:13:01,734 It says, "Have you ever been convicted in any court 303 00:13:01,799 --> 00:13:06,200 including a military court of a felony or any other crime 304 00:13:06,265 --> 00:13:11,432 for which the judge could have imprisoned you for more than one year? 305 00:13:11,500 --> 00:13:16,100 Even if you received a shorter sentence, including probation." (chuckles) 306 00:13:16,166 --> 00:13:19,767 So, it is unlawful for any person who's been convicted of 307 00:13:19,833 --> 00:13:22,166 or has an outstanding warrant for any felony, 308 00:13:22,232 --> 00:13:24,700 as well as there's a list of specific misdemeanors 309 00:13:24,767 --> 00:13:28,700 that also prohibit the ownership of a firearm. 310 00:13:28,767 --> 00:13:31,232 [Judge Judy] Okay. So, what your statement is 311 00:13:31,299 --> 00:13:33,899 this application was accurate 312 00:13:33,966 --> 00:13:37,066 and what you indicate is that this application, 313 00:13:37,133 --> 00:13:39,533 which goes to the US Department of Justice, 314 00:13:39,600 --> 00:13:42,700 he said he had not been, when in fact he had been? 315 00:13:42,767 --> 00:13:43,600 [David] Yes. 316 00:13:43,667 --> 00:13:47,700 Okay. So, Kevin, would you show this to the plaintiff, please? 317 00:13:49,432 --> 00:13:51,633 It looks as if, sir, you filled that out. 318 00:13:51,700 --> 00:13:53,633 - Okay. - [Judge Judy] And it's signed by you. 319 00:13:53,700 --> 00:13:56,466 - I verified the signature. - [Yoonta] No. 320 00:13:56,533 --> 00:13:59,066 - I did mark a no on that. - Okay. Got it. 321 00:13:59,133 --> 00:14:03,432 Now, sir, so now he marked a no when he should've written a yes, 322 00:14:03,500 --> 00:14:05,600 for something that happened 13 years ago, 323 00:14:05,667 --> 00:14:09,933 for which he was not really in a prison, according to him, 324 00:14:10,000 --> 00:14:13,500 sort of a halfway residence where he was able to leave for-- 325 00:14:13,567 --> 00:14:15,866 go to work, outside work, and then come back, 326 00:14:15,933 --> 00:14:17,866 and he spent three months there. 327 00:14:17,933 --> 00:14:21,133 According to him, you have no information to the contrary, 328 00:14:21,200 --> 00:14:22,633 and for the last 13 years, 329 00:14:22,700 --> 00:14:24,600 he has not had any subsequent convictions. 330 00:14:24,667 --> 00:14:29,200 Now, you have to explain to me why you think he is not entitled to most, 331 00:14:29,265 --> 00:14:30,899 if not all, of his money back? 332 00:14:30,966 --> 00:14:36,667 Okay. Because, in my shop, there are numerous, uh, people with felony 333 00:14:36,734 --> 00:14:41,100 or something and they will try and come to buy firearm. 334 00:14:41,165 --> 00:14:43,500 That's why in all our contract, 335 00:14:43,567 --> 00:14:47,866 not only in the small print, also in the red print, we explain to them, 336 00:14:47,933 --> 00:14:51,000 if they get denied in any way, there's no refund. 337 00:14:51,066 --> 00:14:52,533 May I see it, please? 338 00:14:52,600 --> 00:14:54,567 [David] And also, at the store, 339 00:14:54,633 --> 00:14:57,767 we have signs everywhere to tell people that... 340 00:14:57,834 --> 00:15:00,734 [Judge Judy] No, I wanna see the-- I'm not interested in the signs. 341 00:15:00,799 --> 00:15:03,066 I'm interested in something that he signed. 342 00:15:06,000 --> 00:15:07,633 - [David] This is just one way to... - [Judge Judy] Just a second. 343 00:15:07,700 --> 00:15:11,066 - [David] Okay. - This just says there will be no refund. 344 00:15:11,133 --> 00:15:13,799 It doesn't say if you're denied because of something. 345 00:15:13,866 --> 00:15:15,399 No refund in any way. 346 00:15:15,466 --> 00:15:17,033 It says no refund in any way. 347 00:15:17,100 --> 00:15:19,567 It says--it says firearm has to pay in full, 348 00:15:21,667 --> 00:15:23,033 and then there's a crossing out, 349 00:15:23,100 --> 00:15:25,466 upon any cancellation, deny, or revoke, 350 00:15:25,533 --> 00:15:27,600 there will be a 30% restocking fee. 351 00:15:27,667 --> 00:15:29,399 But that's crossed out. 352 00:15:29,466 --> 00:15:33,165 Yes, because, uh, during the pandemic, there's--all the guns are special ordered. 353 00:15:33,232 --> 00:15:35,700 They were so limited, we can't get any gun in. 354 00:15:35,767 --> 00:15:36,567 That's why we... 355 00:15:36,633 --> 00:15:37,633 [Judge Judy] Firearm has to be paid in full. 356 00:15:37,700 --> 00:15:38,899 [David] That's why we have the red print. 357 00:15:38,966 --> 00:15:40,866 And it's crossed out the-- 358 00:15:40,933 --> 00:15:44,734 crossed out, upon any cancellation, deny, or revoke, 359 00:15:44,799 --> 00:15:47,633 there will be a 30% restocking fee. 360 00:15:47,700 --> 00:15:49,000 That's crossed out. 361 00:15:49,066 --> 00:15:50,100 That's crossed out before he signed it. 362 00:15:50,165 --> 00:15:52,366 [Judge Judy] But all firearms are special order. 363 00:15:52,432 --> 00:15:55,000 Well, that's not particularly so in this case. 364 00:15:55,066 --> 00:15:57,265 It was not a special order. You had it in the shop. 365 00:15:57,332 --> 00:15:58,866 Uh, it was a special order, Your Honor. 366 00:15:58,933 --> 00:16:00,466 [Judge Judy] No, no. 367 00:16:00,533 --> 00:16:03,232 Mr. Liu, did you resell the gun? 368 00:16:03,299 --> 00:16:05,033 I want you to think very carefully. 369 00:16:05,100 --> 00:16:07,232 It's got a serial number on it. 370 00:16:07,299 --> 00:16:08,567 - Yes. - [Judge Judy] Just a second. 371 00:16:08,633 --> 00:16:11,399 It's got a serial number on it so it's easy to check. 372 00:16:17,166 --> 00:16:19,200 [theme music playing] 373 00:16:22,799 --> 00:16:26,966 [announcer] Yoonta Chao has accused gun shop owner David Liu 374 00:16:27,033 --> 00:16:30,966 of refusing to refund him for a gun he never received. 375 00:16:31,033 --> 00:16:33,366 Okay. Did you come back more than once, sir? 376 00:16:33,432 --> 00:16:35,000 - No. - [Judge Judy] Okay. 377 00:16:35,066 --> 00:16:37,700 So, that--the gun that he showed you, he had in the store? 378 00:16:37,767 --> 00:16:38,567 [Yoonta] Correct. He had... 379 00:16:38,633 --> 00:16:41,667 [Judge Judy] And that is the gun that you purchased? 380 00:16:41,734 --> 00:16:42,667 That is correct. 381 00:16:42,734 --> 00:16:43,966 And that is the gun that you paid for. 382 00:16:44,033 --> 00:16:46,265 Did you ask him to modify the gun in any way? 383 00:16:46,332 --> 00:16:48,667 - No, I did not. - Did you modify the gun in any... 384 00:16:48,734 --> 00:16:49,966 - No, we cannot do that. - [Judge Judy] Hmm? 385 00:16:50,033 --> 00:16:51,466 - We cannot do that. - [Judge Judy] Okay. 386 00:16:51,533 --> 00:16:56,265 So, the gun that you showed Mr. Chao was the gun that he selected. 387 00:16:56,332 --> 00:16:58,200 It was not modified in any way. 388 00:16:58,265 --> 00:16:59,500 You were holding it. 389 00:16:59,567 --> 00:17:03,133 Pending receipt of this, this came back. 390 00:17:03,200 --> 00:17:04,834 He could not purchase the gun. 391 00:17:04,900 --> 00:17:08,900 It most, if you hadn't crossed out this section, 392 00:17:08,967 --> 00:17:13,032 you would've been entitled to a 30% restocking fee for the gun 393 00:17:13,099 --> 00:17:15,099 but you crossed it out. 394 00:17:15,165 --> 00:17:16,666 It's crossed out of your contract. 395 00:17:16,733 --> 00:17:19,066 So, Mr. Liu, he's entitled to his money back. 396 00:17:19,133 --> 00:17:20,232 - Your Honor... - [Judge Judy] Did you sell-- 397 00:17:20,299 --> 00:17:22,165 did you resell the gun? 398 00:17:22,232 --> 00:17:24,133 I want you to think very carefully. 399 00:17:24,200 --> 00:17:26,400 It's got a serial number on it. 400 00:17:26,467 --> 00:17:28,000 - Yes. - [Judge Judy] Just a second. 401 00:17:28,066 --> 00:17:30,366 It's got a serial number on it and so it's easy to check. 402 00:17:30,432 --> 00:17:31,967 - [David] Yes, I'm being very... - Did you... 403 00:17:32,032 --> 00:17:33,500 - [David] ...honest to you, yes. - Of course. Did you resell the gun? 404 00:17:33,567 --> 00:17:34,700 - Yes. - [Judge Judy] Yes. 405 00:17:34,767 --> 00:17:36,532 And how much did you resell the gun for? 406 00:17:36,599 --> 00:17:39,333 [David] I have to check because the prices is-- was vary 407 00:17:39,400 --> 00:17:41,200 - because during the pandemic... - [Judge Judy] Okay. Just a second. 408 00:17:41,266 --> 00:17:43,200 - So, it was up and down? - Yes. 409 00:17:43,266 --> 00:17:44,834 [Judge Judy] Some people paid a little more 410 00:17:44,900 --> 00:17:46,767 and some people paid a little less? 411 00:17:46,834 --> 00:17:49,200 So you actually got paid twice for this gun? 412 00:17:49,266 --> 00:17:50,066 [David] Yes. 413 00:17:50,133 --> 00:17:51,599 [Judge Judy] How much did you pay for the gun? 414 00:17:51,666 --> 00:17:54,266 Well, add on everything... 415 00:17:54,333 --> 00:17:56,467 [Judge Judy] No, no, don't, don't add on anything. 416 00:17:56,532 --> 00:18:01,200 Just tell me, how much did you pay for the gun, your cost? 417 00:18:01,266 --> 00:18:02,866 Your Honor, because the gun-- 418 00:18:02,933 --> 00:18:04,633 during the pandemic, it's so, so different... 419 00:18:04,700 --> 00:18:06,666 [Judge Judy] No, no, I just asked you, sir. 420 00:18:06,733 --> 00:18:08,933 [David] [indistinct] made me to buy-- to buy other things to go with gun, so... 421 00:18:09,000 --> 00:18:11,000 - No, no, listen to me. - [David] Yes. 422 00:18:11,066 --> 00:18:13,432 Mr. Liu, I'm a very simply girl, 423 00:18:13,500 --> 00:18:18,099 born and raised in Brooklyn and I'm really not good in math. 424 00:18:18,165 --> 00:18:21,700 It's a gene--this math gene is a gene 425 00:18:21,767 --> 00:18:24,333 unfortunately that I passed on to my children 426 00:18:24,400 --> 00:18:27,099 and they passed on to their children, 427 00:18:27,165 --> 00:18:29,866 so I want to ask you a question that's very simple. 428 00:18:29,933 --> 00:18:32,933 You sold him this gun for $1,370. 429 00:18:33,000 --> 00:18:36,767 You sold it again for around the same price. 430 00:18:36,834 --> 00:18:39,232 Let's say you sold it for $1,200. 431 00:18:39,299 --> 00:18:44,200 So, now, we have $2,500 that you have for this gun. 432 00:18:44,266 --> 00:18:47,333 I wanna know how much you paid for it. 433 00:18:47,400 --> 00:18:49,799 You don't have to give me the exact amount. 434 00:18:49,866 --> 00:18:51,900 - Sarah, can look it up... - I pay close to $600. 435 00:18:51,967 --> 00:18:54,299 - [Judge Judy] Hmm? - I pay close to $600. 436 00:18:54,366 --> 00:18:55,500 - Close to 6? - [David] Yes. 437 00:18:55,567 --> 00:18:56,700 [Judge Judy] Okay. 438 00:18:56,767 --> 00:19:01,366 Well, that's a pretty substantial amount of profit that you made on that one gun, 439 00:19:01,432 --> 00:19:05,366 even if you sold it to somebody else for $1,200, 440 00:19:05,432 --> 00:19:09,500 you would've had a pretty substantial profit on that gun. 441 00:19:09,567 --> 00:19:12,500 So, you're gonna give Mr. Chao his money back 442 00:19:12,567 --> 00:19:15,333 because he deserves it back and you resold the gun, 443 00:19:15,400 --> 00:19:20,133 and you had no damages from the fact that--none whatsoever. 444 00:19:20,200 --> 00:19:22,200 It's not as if you got stuck with the gun. 445 00:19:22,266 --> 00:19:26,633 And the contract can actually be interpreted in his favor, 446 00:19:26,700 --> 00:19:30,066 and I think--a reasonable person and that would be me 447 00:19:30,133 --> 00:19:31,467 'cause I'm a very reasonable person. 448 00:19:31,532 --> 00:19:33,266 Am I a reasonable person, Whitney? 449 00:19:33,333 --> 00:19:34,333 Very reasonable. 450 00:19:34,400 --> 00:19:36,032 See? Whitney thinks I'm a reasonable person. 451 00:19:36,099 --> 00:19:39,666 Judgment for the plaintiff in the amount of $1,370. 452 00:19:39,733 --> 00:19:40,700 We're finished. Thank you. 453 00:19:40,767 --> 00:19:42,099 [Kevin] Court is adjourned. 454 00:19:43,099 --> 00:19:47,200 If there's a convicted felon, he should never even step into a gun shop. 455 00:19:47,266 --> 00:19:48,700 I was at the wrong place at the wrong time. 456 00:19:48,767 --> 00:19:50,232 My friend called me up to go pick him up, 457 00:19:50,299 --> 00:19:52,700 and, and because of that I--I--I was convicted. 458 00:19:52,767 --> 00:19:55,733 And he went to a gun shop tried to buy a gun. 459 00:19:55,799 --> 00:19:58,866 I didn't do research until after I was denied a refund. 460 00:19:58,933 --> 00:20:01,400 That's when I actually went through the extensive search 461 00:20:01,467 --> 00:20:04,700 of--of--of, like, the history of owning, uh, a firearm. 462 00:20:04,767 --> 00:20:07,032 I'm surprised he will come to gun shop and try to buy a gun. 463 00:20:07,099 --> 00:20:09,333 I am ecstatic actually for the judgment. 464 00:20:10,400 --> 00:20:13,333 [Sarah] So, I actually disagree with you on that last one. 465 00:20:13,400 --> 00:20:18,066 I think, that people really have to read the contracts that they're signing 466 00:20:18,133 --> 00:20:20,633 and they are bound by those written contracts. 467 00:20:20,700 --> 00:20:23,532 And I understand that you interpreted it in a certain way 468 00:20:23,599 --> 00:20:26,933 and that's how you made your decision to give him his refund, 469 00:20:27,000 --> 00:20:29,567 but I think that if courts continue to do that 470 00:20:29,633 --> 00:20:31,333 and continue to bail people out 471 00:20:31,400 --> 00:20:33,767 after they don't read things that they're signing, 472 00:20:33,834 --> 00:20:35,232 that have legal significance, 473 00:20:35,299 --> 00:20:38,532 I think the courts are gonna be bogged down with people looking for refunds 474 00:20:38,599 --> 00:20:40,866 when they signed something that they're bound by, 475 00:20:40,933 --> 00:20:42,000 saying they don't get one. 476 00:20:42,066 --> 00:20:43,400 [Judge Judy] Okay. It's a perspective. 477 00:20:43,467 --> 00:20:47,066 I felt comfortable with giving his money back 478 00:20:47,133 --> 00:20:50,532 because there was a condition precedent. 479 00:20:50,599 --> 00:20:51,666 [Sarah] Uh-hmm. 480 00:20:51,733 --> 00:20:54,967 Upon which he could take possession of the gun 481 00:20:55,032 --> 00:20:58,700 and the condition precedent was approval by the Department of Justice. 482 00:20:58,767 --> 00:21:01,066 He couldn't actually take possession of the property. 483 00:21:01,133 --> 00:21:04,133 Now, I can understand that if you got possession of the gun, 484 00:21:04,200 --> 00:21:06,133 you took it home, you said, "You know what, this is too hard. 485 00:21:06,200 --> 00:21:07,967 I tried to shoot it, I couldn't shoot it." 486 00:21:08,032 --> 00:21:12,099 "I wanna take it back." Well, I can understand that's a no refund. 487 00:21:12,165 --> 00:21:14,333 You know, it's like wearing a dress and putting the tag inside, 488 00:21:14,400 --> 00:21:17,366 which I've never done, I then bring it back the next day, 489 00:21:17,432 --> 00:21:19,032 but I know people who will do that. 490 00:21:19,099 --> 00:21:20,799 - So that's why it says, "No refund." - Uh-hmm. 491 00:21:20,866 --> 00:21:23,532 [Judge Judy] But in this case, the condition precedent 492 00:21:23,599 --> 00:21:27,000 which was getting approval could not be realized 493 00:21:27,066 --> 00:21:29,500 and I don't think it was through any... 494 00:21:29,567 --> 00:21:30,866 Fault of the plaintiff. 495 00:21:30,933 --> 00:21:32,599 [Judge Judy] ...fault of the plaintiff because 496 00:21:32,666 --> 00:21:35,432 that section that discussed a felony 497 00:21:35,500 --> 00:21:38,467 where you could've been imprisoned for more than one year, 498 00:21:38,532 --> 00:21:42,700 well, you don't remember if you've been convicted of one felony 499 00:21:42,767 --> 00:21:44,532 as an adult in your whole life 500 00:21:44,599 --> 00:21:47,200 whether a judge could've sentenced you for more than a year 501 00:21:47,266 --> 00:21:51,133 but sentenced you to only three months in a different kind of facility. 502 00:21:51,200 --> 00:21:52,232 - Uh-hmm. - [Judge Judy] In a halfway house. 503 00:21:52,299 --> 00:21:57,400 So, I don't think that he was trying to obfuscate the truth. 504 00:21:57,467 --> 00:21:58,567 - Uh-hmm. - [Judge Judy] I think 505 00:21:58,633 --> 00:22:01,165 that he tried to answer the questions honestly, 506 00:22:01,232 --> 00:22:03,200 - and that he has not been in trouble... - [Sarah] Yeah. 507 00:22:03,266 --> 00:22:06,799 [Judge Judy] ...for well over a decade and the defendant had no loss. 508 00:22:06,866 --> 00:22:09,767 Yeah, I understand that, but I also was sympathetic with the defendant 509 00:22:09,834 --> 00:22:12,232 speaking about in his gun shop, 510 00:22:12,299 --> 00:22:16,366 having people who have felonies coming in constantly, trying to get guns. 511 00:22:16,432 --> 00:22:19,733 How are you supposed to protect yourself as an owner of a shop 512 00:22:19,799 --> 00:22:21,767 that's trying to make money when that becomes a problem. 513 00:22:21,834 --> 00:22:23,232 [Judge Judy] Absolutely right. 514 00:22:23,299 --> 00:22:25,299 That if you come in and you fill out the form, 515 00:22:25,366 --> 00:22:26,599 and you're holding the form, and you say, 516 00:22:26,666 --> 00:22:28,834 "Well, maybe somebody who's gonna take a hiccup 517 00:22:28,900 --> 00:22:31,266 over the Department of Justice when they look at my papers." 518 00:22:31,333 --> 00:22:32,799 Maybe, they'll put it through, 519 00:22:32,866 --> 00:22:35,000 and then you've taken that gun out of circulation 520 00:22:35,066 --> 00:22:37,000 but that really wasn't the case in this case. 521 00:22:37,066 --> 00:22:40,333 And the defendant suffered no damage. 522 00:22:40,400 --> 00:22:41,333 [Sarah] True. 523 00:22:41,400 --> 00:22:44,767 He resold the gun and it was really unjust for him 524 00:22:44,834 --> 00:22:47,967 to make five time-- five hundred percent on his money. 525 00:22:48,032 --> 00:22:49,834 He made more than double on his money... 526 00:22:49,900 --> 00:22:51,500 - Yeah. - [Judge Judy] ...on the second sale. 527 00:22:51,567 --> 00:22:52,400 Yeah. 528 00:22:52,467 --> 00:22:53,733 [Judge Judy] So I think that it ended fairly. 529 00:22:53,799 --> 00:22:55,599 - [Sarah] No, I do. - But I agree with you, 530 00:22:55,666 --> 00:22:58,733 that too many people sign contracts 531 00:22:58,799 --> 00:23:02,532 and don't read the fine print, and then when something happens, 532 00:23:02,599 --> 00:23:05,000 and somebody points out the fine print to them, 533 00:23:05,066 --> 00:23:06,532 they're surprised. So, it's a good lesson. 534 00:23:06,599 --> 00:23:07,400 - [Sarah] Yeah. - You're right. 535 00:23:07,467 --> 00:23:08,700 Read the contract before you sign it. 536 00:23:08,767 --> 00:23:10,633 - Take the extra five minutes. - [Sarah] Uh-hmm. 537 00:23:12,266 --> 00:23:13,366 [announcer] Want justice? 538 00:23:13,432 --> 00:23:16,000 Go to JudyJustice.tv. 539 00:23:20,700 --> 00:23:23,700 [theme music playing]