Q: How can I ensure my appeal and evidence are properly considered in Circuit Court after a renter's false accusations and questionable consolidation of cases?
I am an elderly, disabled, widow landlord dealing with a situation where my basement renter demanded early lease termination without penalty and the return of her security deposit without valid cause, using false accusations as blackmail. Despite a signed lease agreement and no prior issues concerning the property, a General District Court (GDC) ex parte trial led to a judgment against me based solely on her allegations, dismissing my claim. Both decisions were appealed in Circuit Court, where initially the appeals were separate. However, another judge consolidated them without prior notice during my trial. There, I presented 62 exhibits of true material evidence, which the renter could not rebuke. Nevertheless, it became clear that the judge disregarded the evidence, mirroring the GDC trial proceedings. This situation feels like a serious shake down involving blackmail. How can I ensure my appeal is addressed effectively, and my evidence is considered in Circuit Court?
A: It sounds like you are asking this after it is already all over. It sounds like you represented yourself and did a very poor job. If you aren't a lawyer, the chances that you preserved your objections so that you can appeal are miniscule. I'd say fire your lawyer and get a new one … next time.
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