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California Consumer Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Criminal Law for California on
Q: Hello so I bought a car from a dealership and they didn’t provide me plates the next day i was pulled over and arrested

I’m being ripped off and arrested by a dealership and i don’t know what to do

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 25, 2023

In California, when purchasing a car from a dealership, it's the dealer's responsibility to provide temporary registration and license plates or a temporary operating permit if the permanent plates are not immediately available. If you were arrested for not having plates shortly after... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Consumer Law for California on
Q: Used dealership sold me a vehicle with a Lein sale on it
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 23, 2023

In California, if a used dealership sold you a vehicle with a lien on it, this can be a significant legal issue. Under California law, the seller is generally required to provide a title free of liens at the time of sale. If they fail to do this, they may be in violation of specific statutes... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: approved for rent relief in CA on 7/31/2023, 10/4/2023 approval letter mailed . Never received my chk due to a systm err

I’m elderly and have been waiting for assistance since Nov 2021 when I applied . Finally got approved after showing proof of an ADU I lease at the same address someone else got rent relief and they approved me and received a approval letter and how much I was approved for and that the payment... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 22, 2023

Under California law, if you have been approved for rent relief but have not received your payment due to administrative errors, you may have grounds for legal action. This situation can be addressed through a lawsuit for breach of contract or a claim for government negligence.

Before...
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3 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Litigation and Small Claims for California on
Q: I recently dropped my truck off at the mechanics and they used my truck for personal use.

when my uncle picked up my truck it was hooked up to a trailer, that was not mine. Then when I was looking in my back seat for something I found two ketchup packets from a place that's more than 2 hours from where I live. Then today I found another receipt that was not mine and was dated for... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 21, 2023

Under California law, the unauthorized use of your vehicle by the mechanic may constitute a breach of the bailment contract, which is created when you leave your vehicle in the care of the mechanic. To establish a breach, you would need to demonstrate that the mechanic used your truck for purposes... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Litigation and Small Claims for California on
Q: I recently dropped my truck off at the mechanics and they used my truck for personal use.

when my uncle picked up my truck it was hooked up to a trailer, that was not mine. Then when I was looking in my back seat for something I found two ketchup packets from a place that's more than 2 hours from where I live. Then today I found another receipt that was not mine and was dated for... View More

Leon Bayer
Leon Bayer
answered on Nov 21, 2023

You can sue the mechanic. Your claim for damages is going to be the daily rental value of the vehicle. Keep in mind that you must prove the case. Your uncle's testimony will be needed in court. However, ketchup packets normally do not have the name and address of a restaurant. Usually, it says... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Litigation and Small Claims for California on
Q: I recently dropped my truck off at the mechanics and they used my truck for personal use.

when my uncle picked up my truck it was hooked up to a trailer, that was not mine. Then when I was looking in my back seat for something I found two ketchup packets from a place that's more than 2 hours from where I live. Then today I found another receipt that was not mine and was dated for... View More

Daniel Timothy LeBel
Daniel Timothy LeBel
answered on Nov 21, 2023

Sorry to hear about what sounds like a frustrating experience and I would guess there's a feeling like a burglary where they've violated your personal space and privacy. This kind of behavior by a business entrusted with your vehicle is, as you wrote, way out of line. In my opinion this... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law, Consumer Law, Contracts and Business Law for California on
Q: Consumer protection. Removal of what was promised via a crowdfunding campaign

Cosnumer protection! I need help recovering digital property that was promised. contract 828,768 usd 15,860

is it really that hard to understand? people crowdfunding on the promise of something being delivered. NOW IT'S GONE. no way to access what one paid for. even straight up tearing... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 20, 2023

In cases involving crowdfunding platforms like IndieGoGo, the terms of the campaign and the platform's policies are crucial. If a developer promised certain digital content in their crowdfunding campaign and then failed to deliver it or removed it, this could potentially be a breach of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Contracts for California on
Q: In sept i bought a 2015 VW Bettle from a big Nissan dealership. Have had problems since day one. It’s a as is purchase.

They agreed at first to fix it. Long story short they didn’t and on way home from picking it up the plate under car fell off. They won’t fix. Looking at paperwork I noticed I didn’t not sign the actual contract. It’s not my signature. Or email address. I sign all other paperwork but not the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 19, 2023

In California, if the signature on the contract for the purchase of the vehicle is not yours, this raises significant legal concerns. A contract is generally only binding if it is signed by the parties involved. If you did not sign the contract, and it does not bear your genuine signature, this... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Consumer Law, Small Claims and Contracts for California on
Q: CFI Academy, refuses to give refund for ~$12,000 for services not provided, which include "student housing" and flight

Housing was shut down after 17 days, after paying for 5 weeks. ~$650

CFI-I program, in a contract, was entitled to a refund which has not been provided ~$4499

MEI program, in a contract, was entitled to a refund which has not been provided ~ $6499

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 18, 2023

Under California law, if CFI Academy failed to provide services for which payment was made, including student housing and flight training programs, you are entitled to pursue a refund. The closure of housing after 17 days, despite payment for 5 weeks, and the non-provision of the CFI-I and MEI... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Identity Theft and Employment Law for California on
Q: What happens if a company I'm not related to is running a background check without my consent?

6 months ago I was going to start working for a company but I turn down the offer. They have my ssn, full name and address. And 6 months later they are running me a background check.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 17, 2023

In California, it's generally required for employers to obtain consent before conducting a background check on a job applicant. If a company is running a background check on you without your consent, especially after you have declined a job offer, this could be a violation of your privacy... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Small Claims for California on
Q: Is it possible to sue Green dot bank in small claims.
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 16, 2023

In California, you can sue Green Dot Bank in small claims court if the dispute involves a sum within the small claims court's monetary limits, which is $10,000 for individuals and sole proprietors. Small claims court is designed for resolving disputes involving smaller amounts of money in a... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Bankruptcy for California on
Q: I have a question regarding a judgement against a dealership

I bought a car off the lot and the car dealership failed to give me my title and proper registration. Fast forward I took them to court and they appealed it I won't the appeal car not eligible in the state of California title I'm Indiana we tried multiple times to get the title with a DMV... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 12, 2023

Under California law, if a court has ordered the dealership to refund your money and they have declared bankruptcy, the responsibility may shift depending on the type of bankruptcy filed. If they filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, their assets are liquidated to pay off creditors, which might include... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and Personal Injury for California on
Q: How long do parties have to file responses to a magistrate's R&R in federal court?

In civil cases in the U.S. District Court for Northern California, after a Magistrate Judge issues his Report & Recommendations, and a party files objections to the R&R, how long does the other party have to file a response to those objections?

Also, if the Magistrate Judge advises... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 11, 2023

In the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, when a party objects to a Magistrate Judge's Report and Recommendation (R&R), the opposing party generally has 14 days to file their response to these objections. This time frame aligns with the Federal Rules of Civil... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Collections and White Collar Crime for California on
Q: A lawyer for a debt collector put a full social security # on the writ of execution EJ-150. It's a violation of Ca code

A lawyer for a debt collector put a full social security # on the writ of execution EJ-150 in section 1. for a levy. It was not opposed and that's what was to be entered in the civil case files at the sheriff's website in the Challenges tab, but that staff entered the full name and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 8, 2023

If a lawyer has included a full social security number on a writ of execution, this could be a violation of California Rules of Court, rule 1.201(a), which requires redaction of personal identifiers before filing documents with the court. You may consider filing a motion to sanction the attorney... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law, Consumer Law and Small Claims for California on
Q: getting Mediation going in circles.

i submitted case DR23-11933 and DR23-11464 to the L.A. County department of consumer affairs and they tried to reach the business in question for mediation.

The company I'd like to mediate with is

square enix. 999 N. Pacific Coast Highway, 3rd Floor, El Segundo, CA 90245, U.... View More

George Steven Louis
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answered on Nov 6, 2023

As a mediator arbitrator myself I always find it rather difficult to get the individuals to the table so that we can work things out letters don't always seem to cut the mustard therefore I enjoy trying to call the parties so the mediation can have an opportunity to work.

These your...
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3 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: I received a letter in the mail stating that this company had inadvertently paid my property taxes and wanted reimbursed

The amount they want is over $6,000.00. I did receive an escrow analysis refund of $2,400.00 earlier this year but I've received those before on previous properties that I've owned but if there was over $6,000.00 paid to my property taxes, wouldn't that have triggered a $6,000.00... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 6, 2023

Under California law, if a company has made a payment towards your property taxes by mistake, you may have a legal obligation to return those funds. It is important to first verify the claim's legitimacy and ensure that a payment was indeed made on your behalf.

You should review your...
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3 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Criminal Law, Traffic Tickets and Arbitration / Mediation Law for California on
Q: How do I prove that my car was illegally towed from a private property that had no legal rights
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answered on Nov 6, 2023

In California, if you believe your car was illegally towed from private property, gather evidence such as photographs of the location where the car was parked, any signage related to parking rules or towing policies, witness statements, and a copy of the property's towing policy if available.... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Contracts for California on
Q: Stripe closed my account under the guise that it presented an unsupported level of risk and took my money.

They claim they have the power because their terms and conditions which I had agreed to allow them to take such action.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 3, 2023

Under California law, you have the right to challenge Stripe's action if you believe it was unjustified or not in accordance with their terms and conditions. Review the agreement you entered into with Stripe to understand the specific provisions they cite as the basis for their actions. If... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Banking and Consumer Law for California on
Q: Can I sue a car dealership that lied to a lender on my application in order to get it approved?

I went to a car dealership to co-sign for my partner for him to get a vehicle. We got approved and went through the process. Almost 2 years later we go to another dealership to trade it in and while we are going through the process, we find out that the first dealership placed me on the application... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 3, 2023

If a car dealership falsified your income or employment status on a loan application without your knowledge or consent, this may constitute fraud and you may have grounds to sue. In California, the legal system takes allegations of fraud seriously, especially when they lead to financial harm or a... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Construction Law and Contracts for California on
Q: Remodel project gone wrong - what to do next?

I have Bathroom remodel project x 2 that was to take one month (verbal) that is now into 4th month with no sign of completion due to day after day, and now weeks of no-shows, with a lack of communication. One bathroom completed with a few issues that still need to be addressed, and the other... View More

Treg A. Julander
Treg A. Julander
answered on Nov 2, 2023

If the contractor is licensed, you should be able to make a claim against his license bond. You can also file a complaint with the Contractors State License Board. If the complaint is well founded the CSLB can order the contractor to pay for your damages at the risk of suspension of his license. If... View More

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