Won a lawsuit, still no $...suggestions? (apartments, lease, credit score)

[longislandicedteaforme]

Long story short, I was swindled into a "housing" situation that was so illegal, I'm embarrassed to even admit I was scammed. When I tried to leave, the POS tried to sue me for breaking the lease (keep in mind, he was advertising apartments - still is, actually - and essentially renting out illegal cubicles in his office space and charging upwards of a thousand per box...I shyt you not!) and I counter-sued him for being a jackass and won! A little background info: he's a disbarred judge and I'd never been to court before, so this was quite a feat: he dragged the case on for 4 months!

Aaaanyway, I won the judgment - less than $5K - but I haven't seen a penny. This jackbutt had the nerve to say I tried to ruin his business and livelihood, and won't pay.

What do I do now? The amount is so small, it's not worth hiring an attorney - I represented myself (thank you, Law & Order!!!) in the original case, I just don't know how I can force this ratbastard to pay up! I called a collection agency two days ago, and in typical island fashion was told I was "better off getting a Samoan to go talk to him."

I'm going to file a motion to garnish wages today, but the paperwork says something about appearing back in court in 2-3 weeks just to gather information...I'll be off the island by then. I've been back and forth to that damned courthouse so many times, the women that are supposed to help are some of the most wretched, uninformed....let me stop. To say the least, they aren't helpful.

Any advice, suggestions, or referrals from the old heads on here? I've been a longtime lurker on the boards, never really said anything useful, however but I know there are some knowledgeable users on here.

Thanks in advance!

[Futuremauian]

You probably already know you aren't likely to get your money back, let alone the $5K judgement. Sometimes it's best to just walk away. OTH, perhaps his car could use some "detailing"?

[blacktothefuture]

First off, congratulations. Representing yourself is no mean feat,especially when you go head to head with former judges.

Seeing as how this is a small claim it will be difficult to get an attorney involved without gratuitous fees. I would suggest hiring a private investigator to dig up dirt on him. As dishonesty is a way of life, something is bound to turn up. When it dose you either use it as leverage to receive your judgement, plus interest and expenses of course. If he doesn't, then I'm sure you can find someone who finds it interesting (law enforcement, tax agencies, ex wives,tabloid newspapers etc). This may sound harsh OP, but I see no other way.

[longislandicedteaforme]

Thanks, blacktothefuture, I was thinking of going that route since I found out what a toad he was...as soon as you say his name to anyone on the island they instantly go "ohhhh....him! Yeah, he's a piece of trash." Which gets me pretty ticked off that everyone who's been here a while or ever dealt with him knows he's horrible, but nobody's ever done anything to warn other or make sure he doesn't scam people again. Really mind-boggling how people deal with things out here...

Anyway, I went to the courthouse *again* today just to be told that no matter what, I'd have to come back to court again - either in person since I went pro se, through an attorney (um, no), or by way of power of attorney via a friend. It just so happens I got to know the guy that got this jackbutt disbarred (former client he was ripping off, really despicable), so we'll see how this goes. He's got time on his hands and the judgment is good for 10 years :-x so I'm not giving up until this guy either a) pays me b) winds up in jail and/or with the IRS ruining his life or c) known across the island and internet as the ratbastard that he is.

Stay tuned! And futurmauian, I don't know that I'll never get my money back- I won, the law says he has to pay, and by golly I'm going to make sure he does! I was doubtful I would be able to get any justice with the way people like to scratch each other's backs around here, but he's just such a piece of dung, he had no case! Can you imagine, a former judge trying to sue some average citizen, having his own case tossed out and on top of that losing the counter suit?? I didn't go through 4 months of bullcaca just to win and then say "oh well. That was a fun experience, thanks everyone! See ya next time!" Hah!

[blacktothefuture]

Could you tell us his name ? Also would keep us posted on how this turns out, it seems quite interesting !

[OpenD]

Originally Posted by blacktothefuture

Could you tell us his name ?

That's not permitted here per the TOS.

[OpenD]

Originally Posted by longislandicedteaforme

Any advice, suggestions, or referrals from the old heads on here?

I suggest you at least TALK to an attorney about your options. It won't cost you that much to schedule a half hour consultation. And the Bar Association has a lawyer referral service:

Hawaiis Only Bar Sponsored Lawyer Referral Service

[longislandicedteaforme]

Originally Posted by OpenD

I suggest you at least TALK to an attorney about your options. It won't cost you that much to schedule a half hour consultation. And the Bar Association has a lawyer referral service:

Hawaiis Only Bar Sponsored Lawyer Referral Service

Oh believe me, I have. I've spoken to several and one of my friends/acquaintances still lives in the building and since everybody's afraid of pissing off their neighbor on this island, he won't officially represent me in court. He did provide enough advice that I was able to represent myself, but in terms of now getting said money...*cue nosediving off a cliff audio*

The lawyer referral service is a joke by the way: they all know each other and are in cahoots with one another. What's that saying? "The nail that sticks out gets hammered down?" The women at the courthouse said I'd have better luck getting a collection agency in California to go after him, since they wouldn't be local (i.e. have some bias/connection to him).

Ah, well! Keep fighting the good fight, eh? I will definitely update this thread as things progress...there are a lot of sharks out here. Knowledge is power and I'd like to help someone who may ever find themselves in a similar situation. Some of these asshats have been making a fat, tax-free living off of these shady housing situations. It's really a damn shame.

[whtviper1]

Should have tried Judge Judy. They at least guarantee the judgements.

Often a way is to get the judgement at the credit bureaus as an incentive to pay. They hit the credit score hard.

[longislandicedteaforme]

Originally Posted by whtviper1

Should have tried Judge Judy. They at least guarantee the judgements.

lol Judge Judy? Don't you have to be wherever she's filming to have your case heard?