Courts are wary of undermining the criminal process—it would be problematic if every time defendants didn't like their lawyer or weren't happy with the outcome, they could successfully claim ineffective assistance of counsel. Generally, to win a claim of ineffective assistance, the lawyer's performance has to be pretty egregious.
If a defendant (the person or business sued) doesn't appear at trial, the plaintiff will likely win—but not always. The judge will verify that the plaintiff served the defendant with court papers, that neither party requested a postponement, and that there is some basis (evidence) supporting the plaintiff's case before issuing a default judgment.
If more than one (1) year has passed, the Defendant may still file an action to vacate the default judgment but must do so only by strictly following Trial Rule 60(B) of the Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure. This can be a complicated procedure for which …
Mar 24, 2016 · A lawyer shall not bring or defend a proceeding, or assert or controvert an issue therein, unless there is a basis in law and fact for doing so that is not frivolous, which includes a good faith argument for an extension, modification or reversal of existing law. A lawyer for the defendant in a criminal proceeding, or the respondent in a ...
Small claims courts schedule multiple trials during the same time slot. The court knows that many cases will settle, and some will resolve by defau...
Sometimes the court enters a default judgment that isn’t fair to the defendant. The defendant’s remedy will be to file a motion asking the judge to...
As stated above, a defendant should file a motion to vacate the judgment immediately after learning about missing the original hearing. It doesn't...
The defendant's remedy will be to file a motion asking the judge to set aside or vacate the default. If the defendant wins, the case will be set for a new trial.
Proving Up a Small Claims Case 1 After arriving and checking in with the court clerk, most of the participants will likely be asked to try to work out their differences in the hallway and the court will call the default cases. 2 The judge will expect you to "prove up" your case, or present a showing of proof demonstrating that there's a basis for your claim. 3 You'll briefly state the facts and present any tangible evidence, such as a copy of the contract, receipts, photos, medical bills, and the like.
As stated above, a defendant should file a motion to vacate the judgment immediately after learning about missing the original hearing. It doesn't make any difference if the hearing you missed was months before, as long as you move to set it aside immediately upon learning about it.
Examples of good cause might include a death in the family; your unplanned hospitalization; or other circumstances beyond your control, such as flooding or a blizzard. ...
Small claims courts schedule multiple trials during the same time slot. The court knows that many cases will settle, and some will resolve by default. Those that remain will have a short amount of time to put on the case. Here's what will likely happen.
If the Plaintiff fails to appear for the trial and the Defendant appear and has filed a counterclaim, the Judge may enter a default judgment against the Plaintiff based on the Defendant's counterclaim, assuming the Defendant satisfied all the requirements for a default judgment.
This usually must be filed within one (1) year from the date the default judgment was entered.
If the Motion is properly filed, the Judge may schedule a court date to consider and hear evidence about the Motion. Or the Judge may rule on the Motion without a hearing. The party asking the Judge to vacate or cancel the default judgment must show "good cause" meaning a very good reason for vacating the default judgment.
The job of the defense counsel is to achieve the best possible outcome for their client. If the client pleads not guilty, then the attorney's duty is to do their best to convince the court that their client is not guilty, even when they know it to be false.
1 The advocate has a duty to use legal procedure for the fullest benefit of the client’s cause, but also a duty not to abuse legal procedure. The law, both procedural and substantive, establishes the limits within which an advocate may proceed. However, the law is not always clear and never is static.
Meritorious Claims and Contentions. A lawyer shall not bring or defend a proceeding, or assert or controvert an issue therein, unless there is a basis in law and fact for doing so that is not frivolous, which includes a good faith argument for an extension, modification or reversal of existing law.
O (5.5) where relevant, clients are informed of the circumstances in which your duties to the court outweigh your obligations to your client. This means that if your client tells you they are guilty, you cannot tell the court, as this would breach your duty to your client.
To defend a lawsuit, the defendant is required to file a Defence within 20 days of receiving a Plaintiff’s Claim. If you have received a Plaintiff’s Claim but you do not file a Defence, the judge may assume that you agree with the Plaintiff’s Claim, and may sign a default judgment against you.
Set aside a default judgment. In all other cases, you will need a judge’s order setting aside the judgment. To request a a judge’s order setting aside the judgment. To request a judgment to be set aside, you will need to file a Notice of Motion and Supporting Affidavit form and pay a fee to the Small Claims Court office.
If an agreement cannot be reached, the parties will have to go to trial. If you are unsure about whether you have missed the deadline for filing a Defence, the staff at the Small Claims Court Office may be able to assist you. ...
If the defendant is not responding to discovery (and has not provided any responses or objections whatsoever), you need to file a motion to compel responses.
The court will take no action at all unless you first file a Motion to Compel the discovery responses. From your post, it appears that it may already be too late for you to file that Motion. I suggest that you consult with (and retain!) an attorney.