I am being taken to small claims court and need advice.

[sacite]

After punitive damages this could cost you a lot. We are talking $80 or $90 bucks .

[DriveNotCommute]

Supposing you're considering a refund, since that guy has shown some shady behavior then you probably can't expect the 2 cameras to be returned in the same condition that he received them in.

[Dr. Clean]

Originally Posted by otterprods

What part(s) of the deal did you get down in writing? Rule #1 of small claims (and other) court: the one with the most paperwork wins. (I agree it sounds like a bluff though… let us know how it turns out)

that's true. what did your craigslist ad say? did you tell him check them out while he was there? sold "as is"? when do you last check them use them?

this is probably a case of credibility, meaning judge will decide in favor of whoever he believes is being most truthful, or honest in the case of not disclosing known defects.

as for the court hearing, very unlikely attorney will show up unless it is a friend or relative. but what most attorneys and others count on is YOU not showing up, which means they win by just being there when the case is called, no questions from the judge, "default judgment entered".

also, it doesn't matter if the lawyer shows up, this is totally people's court, so go watch some re-runs and get familar with how they ask questions. seriously, if there is no documents or other evidences, it is just your word against his word and he isn't going to be more believable just because he has an attorney. and actually, it may even help you because the judge may feel sorry for you since you are not represented and look like you are scared sh*tless because you've never been in a court room... unless you look like you are lying, then forget it. like i said, the case will be decided on credibility, who is more believable.

my advice is just do it, show up. after you experience one, you may be interested in doing it again when someone screws you over. and some ppl do it over and over cuz, like i said, it's people's court.

good luck

[oddstray]

I was under the impression that no attorneys are allowed at small claims court ... ?