1 00:00:00,734 --> 00:00:02,000 [Judge Judy] The defendant has your dog? 2 00:00:02,066 --> 00:00:03,066 Yes. 3 00:00:03,133 --> 00:00:05,400 She just gave me the dog, Your Honor. 4 00:00:05,467 --> 00:00:06,867 Put the dog down for a minute. 5 00:00:10,333 --> 00:00:11,834 Clearly the dog doesn't know you at all. 6 00:00:11,900 --> 00:00:14,433 [announcer] This is Judy Justice. 7 00:00:14,500 --> 00:00:15,967 [dog barking] 8 00:00:16,033 --> 00:00:18,300 [Judge Judy] This is a dog that I wouldn't be asking for back. 9 00:00:36,734 --> 00:00:39,500 [announcer] Yolanda Sheppard and Brian Robinson 10 00:00:39,567 --> 00:00:42,200 are suing dog owner, Christina Scott, 11 00:00:42,266 --> 00:00:44,900 for the cost of a Yorkie Poo. 12 00:00:44,967 --> 00:00:47,200 [Kevin] Court come to order. All rise. 13 00:00:48,767 --> 00:00:49,767 Have a seat, please. 14 00:00:50,767 --> 00:00:51,767 [Kevin] Hello, Judge. 15 00:00:51,834 --> 00:00:54,233 Case 1098, Sheppard versus Scott. 16 00:00:54,300 --> 00:00:55,500 - Thank you. - You're welcome. 17 00:00:55,567 --> 00:00:57,100 [Judge Judy] Mr. and Mrs. Sheppard, it is your claim 18 00:00:57,166 --> 00:00:59,500 - that the defendant has your dog? - Yes. 19 00:00:59,567 --> 00:01:02,834 I'm not quite sure what the defendant's defense is. 20 00:01:02,900 --> 00:01:06,166 She seems to suggest that it's her dog 21 00:01:06,233 --> 00:01:07,533 and she's got a counterclaim. 22 00:01:07,600 --> 00:01:09,166 Her counterclaim is for defamation 23 00:01:09,233 --> 00:01:11,066 because she says that you accused her 24 00:01:11,133 --> 00:01:13,100 of being a thief of taking your dog 25 00:01:13,166 --> 00:01:14,800 or withholding your dog. 26 00:01:14,867 --> 00:01:18,166 What I gather from your complaint is you bought a dog 27 00:01:18,233 --> 00:01:20,567 similar to that one in 2018. 28 00:01:20,633 --> 00:01:22,200 When in 2018? 29 00:01:22,265 --> 00:01:24,400 September 6th, 2018. 30 00:01:24,467 --> 00:01:26,233 Where did you buy the dog from? 31 00:01:26,300 --> 00:01:27,367 A kennel. 32 00:01:27,433 --> 00:01:29,533 May I see the document, please? 33 00:01:37,834 --> 00:01:39,265 And the puppy was born in July, 34 00:01:39,333 --> 00:01:41,467 so about eight weeks old when you got it? 35 00:01:41,533 --> 00:01:44,100 So you brought your puppy home on September the 6th? 36 00:01:44,166 --> 00:01:46,166 - Yes. - [Judge Judy] 2018. 37 00:01:46,233 --> 00:01:49,033 Now we're going to flip to 2019 38 00:01:49,100 --> 00:01:51,366 when the puppy was maybe six-months-old. 39 00:01:51,433 --> 00:01:52,433 According to your complaint, 40 00:01:52,500 --> 00:01:55,533 you let the puppy outside to relieve itself? 41 00:01:55,600 --> 00:01:58,366 - Yes. - [Judge Judy] In what month was 42 00:01:58,433 --> 00:01:59,467 - that? - Maybe March. 43 00:01:59,533 --> 00:02:01,300 [Judge Judy] When you say you let the puppy outside, 44 00:02:01,367 --> 00:02:02,867 where did you let the puppy outside? 45 00:02:02,934 --> 00:02:06,033 We always would let the garage up and let him go out, 46 00:02:06,100 --> 00:02:08,199 take care of his business and he come back. 47 00:02:08,265 --> 00:02:10,500 [Judge Judy] And where the garage is, 48 00:02:10,567 --> 00:02:12,200 - is there a fence there? - No. 49 00:02:12,266 --> 00:02:13,767 [Judge Judy] So you let a puppy, 50 00:02:13,834 --> 00:02:16,934 a six-month-old puppy, go out without supervision, 51 00:02:17,000 --> 00:02:18,066 without a leash, 52 00:02:18,133 --> 00:02:20,834 and at that time the puppy was seven-months-old, 53 00:02:20,900 --> 00:02:23,433 super irresponsible, 54 00:02:23,500 --> 00:02:25,533 super-duper irresponsible. 55 00:02:25,600 --> 00:02:28,367 A, your dog is not supposed to be outside without a leash. 56 00:02:28,433 --> 00:02:31,433 And B, having had dogs for about 50 years, 57 00:02:31,500 --> 00:02:33,633 they're still real puppies when they're six, 58 00:02:33,700 --> 00:02:35,533 seven, eight-months-old. 59 00:02:35,600 --> 00:02:39,466 I have one now that just turned a year old and very smart, 60 00:02:39,533 --> 00:02:42,133 very attached to me, but clever. 61 00:02:42,200 --> 00:02:44,900 If I take her outside and if I take the leash off of her, 62 00:02:44,966 --> 00:02:47,900 she's taken care of whatever she has to take care of, 63 00:02:47,966 --> 00:02:50,633 she turns her eyes and she looks over, she says, 64 00:02:50,700 --> 00:02:52,667 "I'm gonna have some fun with you." 65 00:02:53,867 --> 00:02:58,000 And then this old lady grabs her much older husband, 66 00:02:58,066 --> 00:03:00,934 and we run around the property 67 00:03:01,000 --> 00:03:03,400 and she l-looks behind 68 00:03:03,467 --> 00:03:06,367 until we're so exhausted and then she says, 69 00:03:06,433 --> 00:03:07,834 "All right, I won the game." 70 00:03:07,900 --> 00:03:10,066 But you don't let a seven- month-old puppy outside 71 00:03:10,133 --> 00:03:11,333 unsupervised, madam. 72 00:03:11,400 --> 00:03:13,433 Because what happened is the puppy disappeared. 73 00:03:13,500 --> 00:03:15,700 And it disappeared until 2021. 74 00:03:15,767 --> 00:03:17,767 Well, he usually comes back or we'll sit in the garage. 75 00:03:17,834 --> 00:03:20,033 [Judge Judy] I don't care! You're not following me. 76 00:03:20,100 --> 00:03:21,266 You have children? 77 00:03:21,333 --> 00:03:22,333 I do. 78 00:03:22,400 --> 00:03:23,834 [Judge Judy] How old are they? 79 00:03:23,900 --> 00:03:25,667 Thirteen, fourteen, and five. 80 00:03:25,734 --> 00:03:28,400 [Judge Judy] Okay. Let's deal with the five-year-old. I assume 81 00:03:28,466 --> 00:03:31,266 your five-year-old could walk when the child--a girl or a boy? 82 00:03:31,333 --> 00:03:32,367 Boy. 83 00:03:32,433 --> 00:03:33,966 - [Judge Judy] When he was three? - Yes. 84 00:03:34,033 --> 00:03:35,633 [Judge Judy] And when he was three, 85 00:03:35,700 --> 00:03:37,966 he spoke, he communicated. 86 00:03:38,033 --> 00:03:40,700 Told you what he wanted, probably was stubborn, 87 00:03:40,767 --> 00:03:43,800 you know, terrible twos and then you move on. 88 00:03:43,867 --> 00:03:45,367 If he wanted to go out to play, 89 00:03:45,433 --> 00:03:47,667 would you let him go out to play alone when he was three? 90 00:03:47,734 --> 00:03:49,233 - No. - [Judge Judy] Of course not, 91 00:03:49,300 --> 00:03:50,800 because they don't have judgment. 92 00:03:50,867 --> 00:03:53,033 I mean, sometimes boys don't get judgment 93 00:03:53,100 --> 00:03:56,700 until they're 80 and sometimes not even then. 94 00:03:56,767 --> 00:03:59,033 But certainly a three-year-old doesn't have judgment. 95 00:03:59,100 --> 00:04:00,700 You wouldn't let them out by themselves. 96 00:04:00,767 --> 00:04:03,700 Even if, "I told you to come right back inside. 97 00:04:03,767 --> 00:04:06,400 After you go out and get your ball you come right back inside." 98 00:04:06,467 --> 00:04:09,000 But even if you let your three-year-old go out, 99 00:04:09,066 --> 00:04:10,533 you would stand at the door and see 100 00:04:10,600 --> 00:04:13,000 let me see how that works out. 101 00:04:13,066 --> 00:04:15,500 Went outside picked up his ball, brought it right back. 102 00:04:15,567 --> 00:04:18,399 After he did that two or three times and he was still three 103 00:04:18,466 --> 00:04:20,500 and he said, "I wanna go get my ball, it's outside." 104 00:04:20,567 --> 00:04:21,934 Would you let him go out alone? 105 00:04:22,000 --> 00:04:23,467 - No. - [Judge Judy] No, of course not, 106 00:04:23,533 --> 00:04:25,600 that's why you don't let a seven-month-old puppy out 107 00:04:25,667 --> 00:04:28,100 even if they've gone out and come back once 108 00:04:28,166 --> 00:04:29,567 or gone out and come back twice, 109 00:04:29,633 --> 00:04:32,166 or gone out and come back 20 times! 110 00:04:32,233 --> 00:04:34,133 Seven-month-old baby is a baby. 111 00:04:34,200 --> 00:04:35,967 - Is this your first dog? - No. 112 00:04:36,033 --> 00:04:37,033 [Judge Judy] Okay. 113 00:04:37,100 --> 00:04:39,633 So you were lazy the dog was gone. 114 00:04:39,700 --> 00:04:42,266 Now, we're talking about two and a half years later, 115 00:04:42,332 --> 00:04:44,667 you are somehow notified that she 116 00:04:44,734 --> 00:04:47,800 - is in possession of your dog? - Yes. 117 00:04:47,867 --> 00:04:49,600 [Judge Judy] How were you so notified? 118 00:04:49,667 --> 00:04:52,667 [Yolanda] A letter, with her name and her address. 119 00:04:52,734 --> 00:04:53,933 I'd like to see it. 120 00:05:06,800 --> 00:05:09,934 Okay. So you got this note from somebody 121 00:05:10,000 --> 00:05:11,867 who clearly couldn't spell. 122 00:05:11,934 --> 00:05:14,934 It sends you to her address and it said that, 123 00:05:15,000 --> 00:05:18,800 "Person who stole your dog was her sister, 124 00:05:18,867 --> 00:05:21,600 Periesha Wilson." Who was I assume your neighbor? 125 00:05:21,667 --> 00:05:22,934 - Yes. - Is that you? 126 00:05:23,000 --> 00:05:24,066 - Yes, ma'am. - [Judge Judy] Okay. 127 00:05:24,133 --> 00:05:25,300 That dog's name is? 128 00:05:25,367 --> 00:05:26,967 His name is Oreo. 129 00:05:27,033 --> 00:05:28,533 And that's what you had named your dog? 130 00:05:28,600 --> 00:05:29,767 Yes. 131 00:05:33,533 --> 00:05:35,600 - [Judge Judy] You are Ms. Wilson? - [Periesha] Yes, ma'am. 132 00:05:35,667 --> 00:05:36,967 [Judge Judy] And the two of you were neighbors? 133 00:05:37,033 --> 00:05:38,233 We're still currently neighbors. 134 00:05:38,300 --> 00:05:39,800 [Judge Judy] Okay. A couple of questions, 135 00:05:39,867 --> 00:05:43,133 when she had a dog in 2018... 136 00:05:43,200 --> 00:05:45,533 - Yes, ma'am. - ...and into 2019, 137 00:05:45,600 --> 00:05:47,200 and she used to let the dog out? 138 00:05:47,266 --> 00:05:49,100 Yes, ma'am. She would let the dog 139 00:05:49,166 --> 00:05:51,767 just roam wild with no supervision. 140 00:05:51,834 --> 00:05:54,667 And the dog would occasionally, I assume, 141 00:05:54,734 --> 00:05:57,967 come and do his business on your lawn and... 142 00:05:58,033 --> 00:06:00,066 - Yes, ma'am. - Yeah, irritating. 143 00:06:00,133 --> 00:06:01,900 - A little bit but... - [Judge Judy] Was irritating. 144 00:06:01,967 --> 00:06:03,500 I have a dog of my own, so... 145 00:06:03,567 --> 00:06:05,767 - That I assume you supervise? - Yes, ma'am. 146 00:06:05,834 --> 00:06:07,233 [Judge Judy] And her dog's name was Oreo. 147 00:06:07,300 --> 00:06:08,667 - Yes, ma'am. - [Judge Judy] Okay. 148 00:06:08,734 --> 00:06:12,734 So how did your sister come into possession of Oreo? 149 00:06:14,900 --> 00:06:17,300 Did you ever tell her that the dog was chipped? 150 00:06:17,367 --> 00:06:18,600 [Brian] Your Honor, if I may, my name... 151 00:06:18,667 --> 00:06:21,100 [Judge Judy] No, no, no. That's a simple question. 152 00:06:21,166 --> 00:06:23,400 - Did you ever tell the defendant... - Yes, I did. 153 00:06:23,467 --> 00:06:24,700 [Judge Judy] ...that the dog was chipped? 154 00:06:24,767 --> 00:06:26,700 - Yes. Yes. - Was that the truth? 155 00:06:26,767 --> 00:06:27,934 No. 156 00:06:28,000 --> 00:06:29,433 [announcer] And later today... 157 00:06:29,500 --> 00:06:31,667 - I left for a day not even... - A day? 158 00:06:31,734 --> 00:06:33,200 - [Ashley] But, yes. - He stayed in the apartment? 159 00:06:33,266 --> 00:06:34,266 [Ashley] Uh-hmm. 160 00:06:34,332 --> 00:06:35,332 [Judge Judy] He's not what she bargained for. 161 00:06:35,400 --> 00:06:37,633 - So the whole thing wasn't happy... - Right. 162 00:06:37,700 --> 00:06:39,633 [Judge Judy] ...for either one of you? Don't put your hand up. 163 00:06:39,700 --> 00:06:41,700 Did I say anything that was inaccurate? 164 00:06:52,000 --> 00:06:54,667 [announcer] Yolanda Sheppard and Brian Robinson 165 00:06:54,734 --> 00:06:57,266 are suing dog owner, Christina Scott, 166 00:06:57,332 --> 00:06:59,200 for the cost of a Yorkie Poo. 167 00:06:59,266 --> 00:07:01,734 [Judge Judy] So how did your sister 168 00:07:01,800 --> 00:07:03,667 come into possession of Oreo? 169 00:07:03,734 --> 00:07:07,333 I believe she said a coworker gave her the dog. 170 00:07:07,400 --> 00:07:09,967 And she's had him for quite a bit. 171 00:07:10,033 --> 00:07:12,333 When did the coworker give you the dog 172 00:07:12,400 --> 00:07:14,567 and the name of the coworker? 173 00:07:14,633 --> 00:07:17,800 Adriana, she gave it to me in December of 2019. 174 00:07:17,867 --> 00:07:20,033 Did you have any paperwork on the dog? 175 00:07:20,100 --> 00:07:21,800 No, she just gave me the dog. 176 00:07:21,867 --> 00:07:23,667 - Did you ask her where she got it from? - [Christina] No, ma'am. 177 00:07:23,734 --> 00:07:25,633 She gave me this dog and another dog. 178 00:07:25,700 --> 00:07:27,000 I had a Schnauzer as well. 179 00:07:27,066 --> 00:07:28,500 [Judge Judy] She gave you both dogs at the same time? 180 00:07:28,567 --> 00:07:29,567 [Christina] Yes, ma'am. 181 00:07:29,633 --> 00:07:30,667 [Judge Judy] How does this dog behave? 182 00:07:30,734 --> 00:07:31,734 Very good. 183 00:07:31,800 --> 00:07:33,533 - Housebroken? - Yes, ma'am. 184 00:07:33,600 --> 00:07:34,700 [Judge Judy] Put the dog down for a minute. 185 00:07:34,767 --> 00:07:35,867 Just wanna see. 186 00:07:37,066 --> 00:07:38,066 Periesha] Sit. 187 00:07:45,967 --> 00:07:47,033 [Judge Judy] Leaving. (chuckles) 188 00:07:54,800 --> 00:07:56,500 Okay. 189 00:07:56,567 --> 00:07:58,332 Okay. Mr. and Mrs. Sheppard, 190 00:07:58,400 --> 00:08:00,400 clearly the dog doesn't know you at all. 191 00:08:00,467 --> 00:08:01,667 You understand that? 192 00:08:01,734 --> 00:08:03,066 Look how long he's been gone. 193 00:08:03,133 --> 00:08:04,900 [Judge Judy] Right. So according to this, 194 00:08:04,967 --> 00:08:07,400 you paid $695 for the dog? 195 00:08:07,467 --> 00:08:08,900 - Yes. - [Judge Judy] Is that what you paid? 196 00:08:08,967 --> 00:08:09,967 Yes. 197 00:08:13,000 --> 00:08:15,333 [Judge Judy] (chuckles) See, even now you don't let-- 198 00:08:15,400 --> 00:08:18,300 puppies are inquisitive. Don't let 'em out. 199 00:08:18,367 --> 00:08:21,800 So you do understand that there is no way 200 00:08:21,867 --> 00:08:24,332 that even if you could prove that that dog is yours, 201 00:08:24,400 --> 00:08:26,834 that I'm giving that dog back to you. 202 00:08:26,900 --> 00:08:27,934 - Why? - [Judge Judy] Why? 203 00:08:28,000 --> 00:08:29,000 Because the dog doesn't know you, 204 00:08:29,066 --> 00:08:30,433 it's been living with her for two years. 205 00:08:30,500 --> 00:08:31,867 And the dog doesn't know who you are. 206 00:08:31,934 --> 00:08:33,366 Dog has certain rights. 207 00:08:33,433 --> 00:08:37,033 I've given dogs certain rights here for the last 25 years. 208 00:08:37,100 --> 00:08:39,866 So you're not getting the dog back because you're irresponsible. 209 00:08:39,933 --> 00:08:40,967 However, 210 00:08:41,033 --> 00:08:44,433 you've said that you had the dog chipped, correct? 211 00:08:44,500 --> 00:08:45,633 I've read your complaint. 212 00:08:45,700 --> 00:08:46,900 Did you have the dog chipped? 213 00:08:46,967 --> 00:08:47,967 - No. - [Brian] No. 214 00:08:48,033 --> 00:08:50,000 [Judge Judy] Oh, just a second. 215 00:08:50,066 --> 00:08:51,266 Did you... 216 00:08:54,967 --> 00:08:56,165 [Christina] Oreo... 217 00:08:56,233 --> 00:08:58,433 The plaintiff and her boyfriend came to my residence 218 00:08:58,500 --> 00:09:00,800 inquiring that they had lost their dog. 219 00:09:00,867 --> 00:09:03,100 They stated that the dog was chipped. 220 00:09:03,166 --> 00:09:05,033 That's her statement, Your Honor. 221 00:09:05,100 --> 00:09:06,500 I'm reading her answer. 222 00:09:06,567 --> 00:09:08,266 Did you ever tell her 223 00:09:08,333 --> 00:09:10,200 - that the dog was chipped? - I didn't speak with her. 224 00:09:10,266 --> 00:09:11,266 - [Judge Judy] Hmm? - I didn't speak with her. 225 00:09:11,333 --> 00:09:12,333 [Judge Judy] Just a second. 226 00:09:12,400 --> 00:09:14,767 Did you ever tell her that the dog was chipped? 227 00:09:14,834 --> 00:09:16,834 Your Honor, we went to her home-- if I may, my name... 228 00:09:16,900 --> 00:09:18,967 [Judge Judy] No, no, no, just, just answer my question. 229 00:09:19,033 --> 00:09:21,533 This is not a difficult case. 230 00:09:21,600 --> 00:09:23,166 - Did you ever tell her... - Uh I told her it was chipped... 231 00:09:23,233 --> 00:09:24,300 [Judge Judy] ...that the dog was chipped? 232 00:09:24,367 --> 00:09:26,367 ...with the hope that she would say, 233 00:09:26,433 --> 00:09:28,633 "Hey, this dog belongs to you. And I'mma give it back." 234 00:09:28,700 --> 00:09:30,467 That's a simple question. 235 00:09:30,533 --> 00:09:32,667 - Did you ever tell the defendant... - Yes, I did. 236 00:09:32,734 --> 00:09:33,867 [Judge Judy] ...that the dog was chipped? 237 00:09:33,934 --> 00:09:36,066 - Yes, yes. - Was that the truth? 238 00:09:36,133 --> 00:09:37,600 No. 239 00:09:37,667 --> 00:09:39,467 [Judge Judy] Well, then there is really no way. 240 00:09:39,533 --> 00:09:41,934 You got the dog along with another dog 241 00:09:42,000 --> 00:09:43,533 - from a coworker? - Yes, ma'am. 242 00:09:43,600 --> 00:09:44,967 [Judge Judy] Okay. 243 00:09:45,033 --> 00:09:46,300 [Christina] Can I say something, Judge? 244 00:09:46,367 --> 00:09:47,367 Yes. 245 00:09:47,433 --> 00:09:49,467 [Christina] I have screenshots from Facebook, 246 00:09:49,533 --> 00:09:51,834 where she posted 247 00:09:51,900 --> 00:09:53,467 all kinds of, 248 00:09:53,533 --> 00:09:55,967 of harassing things on Facebook 249 00:09:56,033 --> 00:09:58,133 concerning me in regards to the dog not... 250 00:09:58,200 --> 00:10:00,500 [Judge Judy] Do you have any idea who would've sent her this note? 251 00:10:00,567 --> 00:10:01,533 [Christina] No, ma'am. 252 00:10:01,600 --> 00:10:03,033 [Brian] We have the text message and proof, Your Honor. 253 00:10:03,100 --> 00:10:04,567 [Judge Judy] Just a second. 254 00:10:04,633 --> 00:10:07,400 If you have text messages from her, 255 00:10:07,467 --> 00:10:09,533 - I will absolutely read them. - [Brian] Yes. 256 00:10:09,600 --> 00:10:10,600 [Judge Judy] Yeah. 257 00:10:10,667 --> 00:10:13,133 Your Honor, if I may address the irresponsible part 258 00:10:13,200 --> 00:10:14,600 - from the dog. - It's okay, Oreo. 259 00:10:14,667 --> 00:10:16,433 [Brian] All of us are close knit neighbors. 260 00:10:16,500 --> 00:10:18,834 Her dog roams into my yard all the time, 261 00:10:18,900 --> 00:10:20,133 the neighbors on both sides 262 00:10:20,200 --> 00:10:22,934 dogs ro-- roams into our yard every day. 263 00:10:23,000 --> 00:10:24,934 We all kind of pay attention to each other's dog, 264 00:10:25,000 --> 00:10:26,000 but when somebody sees your dog... 265 00:10:26,066 --> 00:10:27,433 Just a second. Just a second. 266 00:10:27,500 --> 00:10:29,700 This is-- this is a dog that I wouldn't be asking for back. 267 00:10:29,767 --> 00:10:31,800 By the way. 268 00:10:31,867 --> 00:10:34,533 But if she's tempting and feeding my dog treats, 269 00:10:34,600 --> 00:10:36,300 we have letters from her, which she wrote as well. 270 00:10:36,367 --> 00:10:38,400 [Judge Judy] Hold on. You wouldn't find your dog. 271 00:10:38,467 --> 00:10:39,767 Just a second. 272 00:10:43,433 --> 00:10:45,734 Okay. These are sort of disgusting. 273 00:10:45,800 --> 00:10:49,700 Okay, other than the fact that there is a dog 274 00:10:49,767 --> 00:10:51,967 that is black with white spots, 275 00:10:52,033 --> 00:10:53,834 - you never had the dog chipped? - [Brian] No, ma'am. 276 00:10:53,900 --> 00:10:56,500 So there's no way of you proving that that's your dog. 277 00:10:56,567 --> 00:10:58,734 I have pictures, I have shot records, 278 00:10:58,800 --> 00:11:00,433 and I have the receipt where I purchased. 279 00:11:00,500 --> 00:11:01,967 No, I have the receipt where you purchased the Yorkie Poo. 280 00:11:02,033 --> 00:11:03,700 [Brian] And we have a video of him as a--as a matter of fact. 281 00:11:03,767 --> 00:11:05,633 And I have a video of him. 282 00:11:05,700 --> 00:11:06,700 [Judge Judy] That's okay. 283 00:11:06,767 --> 00:11:08,600 As a puppy, two and a half years ago. 284 00:11:08,667 --> 00:11:10,467 I mean, I see dogs like this all the time, 285 00:11:10,533 --> 00:11:13,133 Yorkie Poos that are black with white spots on the foot. 286 00:11:13,200 --> 00:11:15,200 [Brian] She's arguing it's a Shih Tzu, Your Honor, and then... 287 00:11:15,266 --> 00:11:17,033 - [Judge Judy] What? - She's arguing it's a Shih Tzu. 288 00:11:17,100 --> 00:11:18,767 It's clearly a Yorkie Poo and you can see the... 289 00:11:18,834 --> 00:11:20,066 - I have no idea. - [Brian] ...poodle in that. 290 00:11:20,133 --> 00:11:23,133 Once people start mix-breeding dogs, it's very hard to tell. 291 00:11:23,200 --> 00:11:24,333 How much is in what? 292 00:11:24,400 --> 00:11:25,500 I mean, I know what that is looks to me 293 00:11:25,567 --> 00:11:28,100 it has long ears like a Cocker Spaniel. 294 00:11:28,166 --> 00:11:29,166 Go buy another dog. 295 00:11:29,233 --> 00:11:30,967 Your case is dismissed. We're done. 296 00:11:31,033 --> 00:11:32,266 [Kevin] Court is adjourned. 297 00:11:33,333 --> 00:11:35,934 I'm glad the Judge the saw through their lies 298 00:11:36,000 --> 00:11:37,266 and the truth is the truth. 299 00:11:37,333 --> 00:11:39,066 Full of crap. She still stole my dog. 300 00:11:39,133 --> 00:11:42,433 Then you can't leave a dog wandering through the neighborhood 301 00:11:42,500 --> 00:11:44,433 and thinking that the dog is gonna come back 302 00:11:44,500 --> 00:11:46,100 and then start accusing people 303 00:11:46,165 --> 00:11:48,500 and harassing people for a dog you lost. 304 00:11:48,567 --> 00:11:50,967 I did not. It's my dog. She stole it. 305 00:11:51,033 --> 00:11:52,633 They're just trying to cause trouble. 306 00:11:52,700 --> 00:11:56,600 I mean, they came to my house and they tried to basically attack me. 307 00:11:56,667 --> 00:11:57,900 I had to call the police. 308 00:11:57,967 --> 00:11:59,300 Very confrontational. 309 00:11:59,367 --> 00:12:01,266 She didn't give me back my dog. 310 00:12:01,333 --> 00:12:02,900 She called a police officer. 311 00:12:02,967 --> 00:12:04,400 He came out, that's that. 312 00:12:04,467 --> 00:12:05,467 He loves me. 313 00:12:05,533 --> 00:12:06,767 He sleeps in the bed with me and everything. 314 00:12:06,834 --> 00:12:08,633 He's a good dog. 315 00:12:08,700 --> 00:12:11,400 [Judge Judy] No, you have to be res-- (chuckles) you have to be responsible. 316 00:12:11,467 --> 00:12:13,500 You have a puppy, you have to be responsible. 317 00:12:13,567 --> 00:12:15,934 The plaintiff when I drew an analogy, 318 00:12:16,000 --> 00:12:18,367 and people usually don't like that when you draw an analogy 319 00:12:18,433 --> 00:12:20,667 between dogs and children, but it is true, 320 00:12:20,734 --> 00:12:22,700 a puppy, y-you have a responsibility. 321 00:12:22,767 --> 00:12:24,033 It's a living creature, 322 00:12:24,100 --> 00:12:26,467 and you have a responsibility to take care of it. 323 00:12:26,533 --> 00:12:29,000 You know, if you're not prepared to take it out, 324 00:12:29,066 --> 00:12:31,567 walk it, monitor its behavior, 325 00:12:31,633 --> 00:12:33,433 feed it, make sure it gets its shots, 326 00:12:33,500 --> 00:12:35,266 - make sure it's chipped. - Uh-hmm. 327 00:12:35,333 --> 00:12:37,834 So that if should something happened, it's yours. 328 00:12:37,900 --> 00:12:39,834 But after two and a half years, 329 00:12:39,900 --> 00:12:42,467 (chuckles) I was about to say that aside from the fact, 330 00:12:42,533 --> 00:12:44,133 did you hear the dog growl, Sarah? 331 00:12:44,200 --> 00:12:45,834 - Yeah. - [Judge Judy] Anyway, 332 00:12:45,900 --> 00:12:49,633 I think the dog probably is better off where it is now. 333 00:12:49,700 --> 00:12:52,667 Be worse to uproot it again after two and a half years. 334 00:12:52,734 --> 00:12:54,266 - [Judge Judy] Yeah, that's unfair. - Yeah, uh-hmm. 335 00:12:54,333 --> 00:12:55,633 Seems unfair. Anyway, 336 00:12:55,700 --> 00:12:56,767 I hope it works out fine for them. 337 00:12:56,867 --> 00:12:57,900 [Sarah] Uh-hmm. 338 00:12:58,000 --> 00:13:01,667 Case number 1110, Cabezas versus Koltun. 339 00:13:01,734 --> 00:13:03,767 All parties please step forward. 340 00:13:03,834 --> 00:13:05,467 [announcer] Ashley Cabezas 341 00:13:05,533 --> 00:13:08,367 is suing her former friend and roommate, 342 00:13:08,433 --> 00:13:12,233 Amy Koltun, for a security deposit. 343 00:13:12,300 --> 00:13:13,700 Okay. Not a difficult case. 344 00:13:13,767 --> 00:13:16,133 Miss Cabezas, you moved in 345 00:13:16,200 --> 00:13:18,500 - in March of this year? - Yes. 346 00:13:18,567 --> 00:13:20,700 - As the defendant's roommate? - Yes. 347 00:13:20,767 --> 00:13:22,033 [Judge Judy] You had known each other. 348 00:13:22,100 --> 00:13:24,867 This wasn't a, you know, answering an ad on Craigslist. 349 00:13:24,934 --> 00:13:27,967 This was you knew each other, you moved in March 1st? 350 00:13:28,033 --> 00:13:31,000 - March 9th. - And you left on or... 351 00:13:31,066 --> 00:13:32,233 It was March 7th. 352 00:13:32,300 --> 00:13:34,133 [Judge Judy] March 7th, even better for her 353 00:13:34,200 --> 00:13:36,133 and you moved out April what? 354 00:13:36,200 --> 00:13:37,700 I was out by the 1st. 355 00:13:37,767 --> 00:13:38,767 - [Judge Judy] April 1st? - Yes. 356 00:13:38,834 --> 00:13:41,000 This is what you want. You want your deposit back? 357 00:13:41,066 --> 00:13:42,700 - Correct. - [Judge Judy] And the defendant says 358 00:13:42,767 --> 00:13:44,300 you didn't give her 30 days notice. 359 00:13:44,367 --> 00:13:46,033 She used your security deposit 360 00:13:46,100 --> 00:13:49,165 for the 30-day-notice as a month's rent. 361 00:13:49,233 --> 00:13:50,333 Not correct. 362 00:13:50,400 --> 00:13:54,033 She broke the rules that we agreed upon her prior to moving in, 363 00:13:54,100 --> 00:13:55,734 - which was no... - [Judge Judy] No. Just a second. 364 00:13:55,800 --> 00:13:58,600 What I'm asking you is did she give you a security deposit? 365 00:13:58,667 --> 00:14:00,567 - Of $400. - [Judge Judy] And what was her rent? 366 00:14:00,633 --> 00:14:01,633 Eight hundred dollars. 367 00:14:01,700 --> 00:14:03,266 [Judge Judy] When she moved out on April 1st, 368 00:14:03,333 --> 00:14:05,367 - did you keep her $400? - Yes. 369 00:14:05,433 --> 00:14:06,934 [Judge Judy] And you kept her $400 370 00:14:07,000 --> 00:14:09,934 because according to your answer, she didn't give you 30 days' notice? 371 00:14:10,000 --> 00:14:11,800 And other things. 372 00:14:11,867 --> 00:14:13,500 He was there and your countersuit 373 00:14:13,567 --> 00:14:16,200 is for the extra water that was used 374 00:14:16,266 --> 00:14:19,467 and extra electricity that was used. That's ridiculous. 375 00:14:19,533 --> 00:14:22,467 It shouldn't bring the two of you to court. 376 00:14:33,567 --> 00:14:36,467 [announcer] Ashley Cabezas claims her former friend 377 00:14:36,533 --> 00:14:38,467 and roommate, Amy Koltun, 378 00:14:38,533 --> 00:14:41,400 refuses to return her security deposit. 379 00:14:41,467 --> 00:14:42,967 Amy is countersuing, 380 00:14:43,033 --> 00:14:45,233 claiming Ashley's boyfriend lived with them 381 00:14:45,300 --> 00:14:47,734 and she owes for his portion of rent. 382 00:14:47,800 --> 00:14:50,600 What I'm asking you is did she give you a security deposit? 383 00:14:50,667 --> 00:14:51,700 Of $400. 384 00:14:51,767 --> 00:14:53,333 [Judge Judy] When she moved out on April 1st, 385 00:14:53,400 --> 00:14:55,600 - did you keep her $400? - Yes. 386 00:14:55,667 --> 00:14:57,233 [Judge Judy] And you kept her $400 387 00:14:57,300 --> 00:15:00,166 because according to your answers, she didn't give you 30 days' notice. 388 00:15:00,233 --> 00:15:01,233 And other things. 389 00:15:01,300 --> 00:15:02,800 [Judge Judy] The other things you're talking about, 390 00:15:02,867 --> 00:15:05,033 - that she had her boyfriend over? - [Amy] Lived with me. 391 00:15:05,100 --> 00:15:06,633 [Judge Judy] She had her boyfriend over. 392 00:15:06,700 --> 00:15:09,033 Yes, but lived with me 24/7, 393 00:15:09,100 --> 00:15:10,467 showered, used utilities, 394 00:15:10,533 --> 00:15:12,066 - many more things. - Whatever. 395 00:15:12,133 --> 00:15:13,633 She caused no damage to your apartment? 396 00:15:13,700 --> 00:15:14,700 No damage. 397 00:15:14,767 --> 00:15:17,200 [Judge Judy] You have to return her security. 398 00:15:17,266 --> 00:15:18,367 - She left for five days... - [Judge Judy] I want you to... 399 00:15:18,433 --> 00:15:19,900 - ...prior to renting. - [Judge Judy] I want you-- 400 00:15:19,967 --> 00:15:21,333 I want you--I want you to listen, 401 00:15:21,400 --> 00:15:23,367 because Sarah is going to look up 402 00:15:23,433 --> 00:15:25,800 the definition of security deposit 403 00:15:25,867 --> 00:15:27,700 and then we'll get into the facts. 404 00:15:27,767 --> 00:15:30,567 First, she's gonna look up the definition of security deposit, 405 00:15:30,633 --> 00:15:32,300 landlord, tenant. 406 00:15:32,367 --> 00:15:35,433 Security deposit is money that is given to a landlord, 407 00:15:35,500 --> 00:15:37,800 lender, or seller of a home or apartment 408 00:15:37,867 --> 00:15:41,100 as proof of intent to move in and care for the domicile. 409 00:15:41,165 --> 00:15:44,500 Security deposits serve as an intangible measure of security 410 00:15:44,567 --> 00:15:47,467 or as a means of tangible security in the event of damages 411 00:15:47,533 --> 00:15:48,900 or lost property. 412 00:15:48,967 --> 00:15:51,333 [Judge Judy] Okay, so security deposit is for that. 413 00:15:51,400 --> 00:15:54,600 It is for damages done to the property. 414 00:15:54,667 --> 00:15:56,767 You didn't keep her security deposit 415 00:15:56,834 --> 00:15:59,567 for any damage she caused to the property. 416 00:15:59,633 --> 00:16:02,166 Okay so you have to return her security deposit 417 00:16:02,233 --> 00:16:04,700 unless you had a written lease. 418 00:16:04,767 --> 00:16:06,533 We have text that we agreed... 419 00:16:06,600 --> 00:16:08,900 - [Judge Judy] No, no text. - ...upon prior to her moving in 420 00:16:08,967 --> 00:16:11,300 with her deposit being involved to our agreement. 421 00:16:11,367 --> 00:16:13,600 Your Honor, we did not have a written lease. 422 00:16:13,667 --> 00:16:15,800 [Judge Judy] Okay. I'd like to see the texts 423 00:16:15,867 --> 00:16:18,867 that you have that in some way 424 00:16:18,934 --> 00:16:21,567 refute the definition 425 00:16:21,633 --> 00:16:22,934 of security deposit. 426 00:16:23,000 --> 00:16:25,433 I have text of our agreement to her moving in. 427 00:16:25,500 --> 00:16:26,500 [Judge Judy] Just a second. 428 00:16:26,567 --> 00:16:28,100 Be more than happy to take a look at them. 429 00:16:28,166 --> 00:16:31,333 But what I'm telling you, that's what security deposit is for. 430 00:16:43,834 --> 00:16:45,934 This is nothing, 431 00:16:46,000 --> 00:16:47,165 absolutely nothing. 432 00:16:47,233 --> 00:16:49,567 I'm just telling you, it's legally nothing. 433 00:16:49,633 --> 00:16:52,133 These texts back and forth don't form the basis of a contract, 434 00:16:52,200 --> 00:16:54,100 it indicates that you know each other. 435 00:16:54,165 --> 00:16:55,400 This--what happens is, 436 00:16:55,467 --> 00:16:57,834 you moved in and your boyfriend sort of came along? 437 00:16:57,900 --> 00:16:59,200 - Yes. - And he was there a lot? 438 00:16:59,266 --> 00:17:01,033 - [Ashley] Yes. - [Judge Judy] If not, most of the time. 439 00:17:01,100 --> 00:17:03,000 - And she wasn't happy about that? - [Ashley] Right. 440 00:17:03,066 --> 00:17:04,467 And then you left for a couple of days 441 00:17:04,532 --> 00:17:07,233 to go visit somebody and he stayed in the apartment? 442 00:17:07,300 --> 00:17:09,900 I left for a day not even, I wasn't gone overnight. 443 00:17:09,967 --> 00:17:10,967 - A day? - [Ashley] But, yes. 444 00:17:11,032 --> 00:17:12,433 - He stayed in the apartment? - [Ashley] Uh-hmm. 445 00:17:12,500 --> 00:17:14,266 He's not what she bargained for. 446 00:17:14,333 --> 00:17:17,099 - So the whole thing wasn't happy... - [Ashley] Right. 447 00:17:17,165 --> 00:17:19,099 ...for either one of you. Don't put your hands up. 448 00:17:19,165 --> 00:17:21,000 Did I say anything that was inaccurate? 449 00:17:21,066 --> 00:17:24,333 No. So you don't have to say anything, right? 450 00:17:24,400 --> 00:17:26,266 She wasn't happy with him being around. 451 00:17:26,333 --> 00:17:28,433 I don't know whether he's a nice guy, not a nice guy. I don't care. 452 00:17:28,500 --> 00:17:31,500 But she was buying you in this situation. 453 00:17:31,567 --> 00:17:34,033 Not two roommates, only one. 454 00:17:34,100 --> 00:17:35,533 You weren't happy with her complaining. 455 00:17:35,600 --> 00:17:37,266 So you said I'm leaving. Great. 456 00:17:37,333 --> 00:17:39,533 You didn't hurt anything. You didn't damage anything. 457 00:17:39,600 --> 00:17:41,900 You get your $400 security deposit back. 458 00:17:41,967 --> 00:17:43,266 - Are you happy? - Yes. 459 00:17:43,333 --> 00:17:44,467 [Judge Judy] Good, $400. 460 00:17:44,533 --> 00:17:47,333 Now she has a counterclaim that's actually sort of ridiculous. 461 00:17:47,400 --> 00:17:50,266 There was nothing in your agreement 462 00:17:50,333 --> 00:17:52,734 for her $800 rent, 463 00:17:52,800 --> 00:17:54,700 - which you did, in fact pay. - Right. 464 00:17:54,767 --> 00:17:56,734 [Judge Judy] Eight hundred dollars for a short month, 465 00:17:56,800 --> 00:17:59,467 because she was there from the 7th to the 1st, 466 00:17:59,533 --> 00:18:00,600 so that's a short month. 467 00:18:00,667 --> 00:18:03,066 So you got your full $800 a month rent 468 00:18:03,133 --> 00:18:05,800 and he was there and your countersuit 469 00:18:05,867 --> 00:18:08,633 is for the extra water that was used 470 00:18:08,700 --> 00:18:10,667 and extra electricity that was used. 471 00:18:10,734 --> 00:18:11,734 That's ridiculous. 472 00:18:11,800 --> 00:18:14,000 There's nothing that precludes him from being there. 473 00:18:14,066 --> 00:18:15,734 It was just not part of your agreement. 474 00:18:15,800 --> 00:18:18,667 Of your understanding it was an uncomfortable living situation. 475 00:18:18,734 --> 00:18:21,600 It shouldn't bring the two of you to court. (chuckles) 476 00:18:21,667 --> 00:18:23,133 Do you understand? Shouldn't. 477 00:18:23,200 --> 00:18:25,333 So you should just have given her $400 back. 478 00:18:25,400 --> 00:18:26,934 Judgment for the plaintiff $400, 479 00:18:27,000 --> 00:18:28,767 you counterclaim is dismissed. We're finished. 480 00:18:28,834 --> 00:18:30,400 - [Ashley] Thank you. - [Kevin] Court is adjourned. 481 00:18:32,633 --> 00:18:34,567 I completely agree with her decision. 482 00:18:34,633 --> 00:18:36,734 I felt like it was pointless to come here in the first place. 483 00:18:36,800 --> 00:18:39,467 But I did what I needed to do in order to get my deposit back. 484 00:18:39,533 --> 00:18:42,367 But I definitely said, "Hey, I'm not prorating." 485 00:18:42,433 --> 00:18:43,867 She still wanted to move in. 486 00:18:43,934 --> 00:18:45,066 So initially, when I was moving in, 487 00:18:45,133 --> 00:18:47,166 he was not intended to move in with me 488 00:18:47,233 --> 00:18:48,500 and then things changed. 489 00:18:48,567 --> 00:18:49,734 Hey, um no. 490 00:18:49,800 --> 00:18:51,633 I don't want your boyfriend living under my roof, 491 00:18:51,700 --> 00:18:52,834 it was only females. 492 00:18:52,900 --> 00:18:55,467 If he wants to be there when she's there, that's fine. 493 00:18:55,533 --> 00:18:57,767 And I tried to have a conversation about it with her 494 00:18:57,834 --> 00:18:58,834 that never happened. 495 00:18:58,900 --> 00:19:00,567 And I ultimately decided it would be best 496 00:19:00,633 --> 00:19:02,266 to just move out and get my own spot 497 00:19:02,333 --> 00:19:04,967 and not have to worry about any rules being broken 498 00:19:05,033 --> 00:19:06,033 or anything like that. 499 00:19:06,100 --> 00:19:08,567 But half the time she was at work and he wasn't. 500 00:19:08,633 --> 00:19:10,400 He was just sleeping there, eating there, 501 00:19:10,467 --> 00:19:11,633 showering there, everything, 502 00:19:11,700 --> 00:19:13,567 - but that's okay, whatever. - He was. 503 00:19:13,633 --> 00:19:16,100 And three, um the deposit, we actually-- 504 00:19:16,166 --> 00:19:18,500 well, I was her--as her friend said, 505 00:19:18,567 --> 00:19:20,700 "Hey, $800, I'll split $400 one month, 506 00:19:20,767 --> 00:19:21,767 $400 next month. 507 00:19:21,834 --> 00:19:23,834 I just didn't wanna live in a house under rules 508 00:19:23,900 --> 00:19:25,467 that I felt like I shouldn't need to follow. 509 00:19:25,533 --> 00:19:27,000 And no hard feelings, I guess. 510 00:19:27,066 --> 00:19:29,734 I really--she just wanna take me to court, I'm here. 511 00:19:29,800 --> 00:19:31,500 It's what I had to do, so it's fine. 512 00:19:31,567 --> 00:19:32,800 The friendship is said and done. 513 00:19:32,867 --> 00:19:34,934 I don't really care to have somebody like that in my life. 514 00:19:35,000 --> 00:19:37,567 She has shown her true colors and that's pretty much it. 515 00:19:38,667 --> 00:19:40,233 [Judge Judy] You know these kinds of cases 516 00:19:40,300 --> 00:19:42,166 with roommates and boyfriends 517 00:19:42,233 --> 00:19:45,533 are so far out of my history. 518 00:19:45,600 --> 00:19:47,433 When I was a young person, 519 00:19:47,500 --> 00:19:49,367 you left your parent's house 520 00:19:49,433 --> 00:19:51,867 either in a white dress or a pine box. 521 00:19:51,934 --> 00:19:53,266 Those were your only two way. 522 00:19:53,333 --> 00:19:54,734 You didn't go live with a roommate. 523 00:19:54,800 --> 00:19:57,867 You didn't go away for a weekend unless your father went with you. 524 00:19:57,934 --> 00:20:00,300 So what is the etiquette? 525 00:20:00,367 --> 00:20:02,767 Because this is your generate-- what's the etiquette, 526 00:20:02,834 --> 00:20:03,834 boyfriend etiquette? 527 00:20:03,900 --> 00:20:05,500 I think it depends on the situation. 528 00:20:05,567 --> 00:20:08,834 I think that a few times a week, a month, 529 00:20:08,900 --> 00:20:11,333 you know, casual sleepover is one thing, 530 00:20:11,400 --> 00:20:14,333 but when you have someone continuously spending the night, 531 00:20:14,400 --> 00:20:17,433 I think a discussion is warranted for that, 532 00:20:17,500 --> 00:20:20,233 especially if your roommate doesn't know your boyfriend, 533 00:20:20,300 --> 00:20:22,867 never met him, doesn't know him outside of you. 534 00:20:22,934 --> 00:20:25,533 I think it's a tricky situation, because like you said, 535 00:20:25,600 --> 00:20:27,000 it's not what you sign up for. 536 00:20:27,066 --> 00:20:29,133 It's not--if I sign up to live with a friend, 537 00:20:29,200 --> 00:20:31,066 I don't expect their boyfriend to come with them, 538 00:20:31,133 --> 00:20:32,967 unless that's a conversation that we have... 539 00:20:33,033 --> 00:20:34,166 - [Judge Judy] Yes. - ...beforehand. 540 00:20:34,233 --> 00:20:37,400 So I think that you have to play it by ear a little bit. 541 00:20:37,467 --> 00:20:40,700 If a casual sleepover turns into five nights a week... 542 00:20:40,767 --> 00:20:42,133 More permanent, like, more permanent. 543 00:20:42,200 --> 00:20:44,233 [Sarah] ...then I think a conversation needs to be had 544 00:20:44,300 --> 00:20:45,834 just to respect everybody's boundaries 545 00:20:45,900 --> 00:20:46,900 and uh what they're comfortable with. 546 00:20:46,967 --> 00:20:48,934 Don't you think that the boundary should be set before? 547 00:20:49,000 --> 00:20:50,266 Yes, a hundred percent. 548 00:20:50,333 --> 00:20:51,667 - [Judge Judy] Before? - Uh-hmm. But if it-- 549 00:20:51,734 --> 00:20:54,400 if the relationship comes about as you're already living there... 550 00:20:54,467 --> 00:20:55,900 - [Judge Judy] Living there. - Living there, 551 00:20:55,967 --> 00:20:57,367 I think that warrants a conversation... 552 00:20:57,433 --> 00:20:58,600 - [Judge Judy] So it's... - [Sarah] ...after the fact 553 00:20:58,667 --> 00:21:01,567 and it needs to be agreed upon, but between both people... 554 00:21:01,633 --> 00:21:03,266 - Yeah. - ...it is both the defendant 555 00:21:03,333 --> 00:21:04,500 - and the plaintiff are on the lease... - [Judge Judy] Right. 556 00:21:04,567 --> 00:21:06,500 ...so they have an equal say of, 557 00:21:06,567 --> 00:21:09,000 of what they feel is right and I think that they need 558 00:21:09,066 --> 00:21:10,266 - to have a conversation about it. - [Judge Judy] Conversation about it. 559 00:21:10,333 --> 00:21:12,600 Yeah, it's really-- it really gets tricky. 560 00:21:12,667 --> 00:21:15,533 I say live smaller, but live alone. 561 00:21:15,600 --> 00:21:17,600 - [Sarah] Yeah. That's good advice. - That would be the best advice. 562 00:21:19,667 --> 00:21:23,266 [announcer] Want justice? Go to JudyJustice.tv. 563 00:21:28,000 --> 00:21:31,000 [suspenseful music playing]