Originally Posted by PamWinterReturns

I went today for a 9:00 am court date. They moved the court from the Trial Court building to a strip mall. Seriously. There is a Chinese restaurant next door, a nail salon, pawn broker, and another, then another row of stores with Family Dollar, Sav-A-Lot and Eddie’s Used TVs. Right across the street from a rundown city-funded project of about eighty buildings, each housing four apartments.

Parking lot has a curb with no curb cuts or disabled parking. At the end of the building, about eighty feet away, is a curb cut and two parking spots One car without a tag parked perpendicular across both spaces. All these cops and court officials and no parking ticket.

Go inside and wait. 9:20 we’re all called in. First sixteen defendants for Midland Funding were no show defaults. Next ten were Chase Bank, same thing. Ten more were landlords and only one defendant showed up and it was rescheduled for trial.

I’m sitting there, cellphone and iced coffee detained so nothing to do or drink. Finally I get called, only to be told to see the attorney during the break. Quick meeting with her, then wait to see magistrate. Nice guy tells me I’m all set and can go.

I ask how many defendants and plaintiffs don’t show up. 65% plaintiffs, 85% defendants don’t show or call. Paperwork on defendants has to be issued, filed and fines are tacked on. You can go from owing $600 rent to $50/day fees until paid. I’m thinking if they can collect ten percent of the fines, the state would be rich.

I sign documents, collect my wallet and x-acto knife/screwdriver, and realized that a lot of money is made there. $50 upfront to file and in the hour I was there, fifty cases were scheduled $2,500 an hour and they’re there eight hours a day, three days a week. Upfront payment or no filed case and with cancellations or other dropped cases, they’re raking in $50,000/week on average.

I saw at least six deputies and cops, one magistrate, three attorneys, several unidentifiable employees and I’m sure others were there. Rent and utilities are monthly, all those salaries, plus incidentals makes it sound like the city is making beaucoup bucks. Tomorrow I’ll look up the budget and expenditures cause I’m curious.

From my case they got $50. People filed paperwork and it was processed. Copies sent out and filed. Court date booked. Magistrate, attorney and court clerk paid for seeing me. Paperwork filed and processed, sent out and case closed. That $50 sounds like a bargain for all that’s done.