"If you're winning, shut up!" Best small claims court advice, EVER!

Thank you, Mr. Vondran. My daughter and I followed your instructions and won yesterday in small claims court. I wore a tie for the first time in years. Arrived early, had the three copies of documents, made the bullet points, courteous to the defendant, and the big one - when we saw we were winning as the defendant was busy eviscerating himself, we shut up. Judgment for the plaintive. Great. Thanks for the tips and I hope to never have to do this again.

Glad everyone seems to be enjoying my small claims success video!! Have a great weekend!

I'm andy from Scotland. Won my case today because of your advice . I kept quiet as soon as i seen i was winning. I claimed against a person who done dangerous gas work. I won my case . Come to Scotland sometime i will get you a whisky!

Thanks Steve. I'll be in small claims soon. I'm so nervous. Terrified actually. I do plan to be very prepared. I've always been afraid of speaking in public and becoming emotional. I sure don't want to cry. Your tips are just what I need.

I watched this 30 minutes before walking into my small claims defense this morning where I was representing myself. had my case dismissed already today. Thanks for the advice.

I had my first small claims case a few months ago to get my security deposit back and they decided to settle with me. my first victory and it felt good. they thought I wasn't gonna do anything and took me for a joke.

If I may I would like to say... ' You have had the most informant and grounded video that I've watched, your candor and professionalism has given me a focal point or a, ' point of origin ... ''' I have been clouded by the ominous side of vengeance. After watching your video I have come to the true understanding of the word " Justice ". l would like to extend my Thanks for your input on such delicate matters, and for pointing me in the right direction. Again it has been most informative' Thank You Robert T Robinson'

Thank you all for all the great comments. Love you all!!

Love how you do a full break down of everything. this my 4x time watching the video I'm studying it since it's my 1st time in civil court

I totally agree with all of this, and I can definitely attest. I am not a lawyer, but last month I won a Small Claims Court. I've learned a lot watching videos like this one. The video is also great because it is not formal, in layman's terms, easy to understand, and not spoken in a monotone. It certainly captured my attention for the full 14 and half minutes.

You produced these tips for a reason and my guess is that you have seen many people NOT follow the tips outlined in your video. Thanks.

Nice. Short work. Spent several years serving the court system, and this is the most straightforward, and unburdened training without the taxing excess courtly gravitas. Thanks.

Hi Steve, my daughter and I are suing a very unethical and corrupt towing company here in San Jose called Rebello's, and our case is tomorrow morning. I am SO thankful to have seen your video!!! I feel much more confident now, and look forward to getting all or at least some of my hard-earned money back! Thank you from the bottom of my heart and God bless!!

Nice vid. Want to add that in addition to knowing your facts/case cold, one has to be prepared to be flexible to changing circumstances. Things may not go orderly as you planned. It goes relatively quickly and actions by the the other party or judge may throw you off. But being overly prepared with your arguments and evidence will keep you grounded. For example, after exchange of evidence my tenant admitted to two of the four items on the summons right off the bat. That threw me off and I had to cut right to the middle of my defense presentation. Then under oath he added additional unexpected verbal claims that I had to defend against. In the end I won all four items because my evidence was overwhelming, but I did not realize how dynamic my day in court would be.

This was very helpful and made me feel more at ease about a pending court date. It feels like a David and Goliath situation... I'm a single mom, suing a dealership for clearing the check engine light prior to me purchasing the car and hiding that fact from me before I made the purchase. So, 6 yrs later, you're still helping people with this video! Thank you! Wish me luck!

Thank you, glad you enjoyed - there is nothing better than winning in small claims court!!! Good luck.

Thanks for the advice. Today is my day in court and I thought that someone may have made a video like this and here you are. I will try to follow your rules. Lets go win!

Most honest attorney I've ever heard.

Thank you for making this video. I watched it the morning before my small claims case against my landlord. I was nervous but I was prepared. I wrote an opening statement and was clear about what I was asking the court for. My aponent wasn't prepared and was caught in several lies. While the judge was grilling him, I kept my mouth closed. Thank you again for your advice.

Great down to earth sound advice much needed in redemption for the countless negligent attorneys at law that do not look out for their clients but are only looking to soak and abuse the legal system. You are a thumbs up.

These tips were incredibly helpful. I’m going to small claims tomorrow for a housemate that refused to return my deposit.

Thank you! I just won my case today for the max amount that was allowed in my state and your advice was very helpful!!

It’s November 2019- who is still watching?

Steve Vondran, your video presentation is so much appreciated. This will help me tremendously to prepare for my first day ever in a small claims court. Thank you!!

I have court coming up and i thank you, Steve, for this advice, this has helped me out tremendously 😘

Thumbs up in print too!!! Good job, and yes, just the cost of 'doing business' once every 20 years.

I used your video to prepare for my case. I was suing a mechanic for the return of my vehicle (Nobles Auto/Roger Nobles in Fayetteville NC). I made copies of my receipts and evidence for the judge and the defendant! Followed your steps and didn't get over emotional when testifying or reading from my notes. The defendant however wasn't prepared and never filed the actual mechanics lien against me that helps them get my vehicle. Your video was very helpful and I went with two Sheriff's department escorts and a tow truck to recover my vehicle last week.I didn't win any money ( which I feel I should have 😒) but I did get my truck back! Maybe you can make a video about how to recover cash! Even if you don't this video was awesome!! This video is reason why I got my vehicle back and I appreciate it 💯

You are welcome, glad to provide general tips to help you win your small claims case!!

Thank you so much! I go to court tomorrow and this helped!

I used your advice to win my case against a landlord. When we filed our case, they took three copies of everything and did the registered mail service(we had to pay for this). We were awarded all of the fees in our decision plus time lost off work and puntative damages as well. The puntative damages came out to be more than what we initially were suing for.

You are welcome Jacob, just trying to help the peeps try to best present their small claims case and try to win! Glad you liked.

Thanks for the video. It gives me the guts to face the plaintiffs. Im not a bad person, just a person that ran across bad circumstances.

Thanks Steve great video Going to battle a mechanic who doesn't want to return my motor transmission and other parts he has

I think your advices are universal. Independent from which state, or country you are, whether it’s a small claim court or more serious. It’s all make sense. But it’s good to hear and keeping in mind. Also practicing, especially if someone suffers from mental health issues. Emotions can be overwhelming, it’s hard to put a lid on sometimes.

You are a very nice, helpful attorney. You are a rare specimen. I have an eviction case coming soon. My son will be the plaintiff against a landlord. The landlord filed an eviction lawsuit for no reason. One day before the trial she dismissed the case by herself (but it is a dismissal without prejudice. They can bring the case back anytime). This is in Richardson, Texas. It has been very hard to find a lawyer who is willing to help us. I just wanted to say: Thank you for being on our side.

I'm so happy of your breakdown god bless you! Proper planning prevents poor performance!❤

Amazingly well presented and easy to understand. Thank you very much for this resource.

Hello I am preparing for my small claims date next week I found this very helpful! Fingers crossed I’m suing someone and I’m gathering my evidence now.

Great video! One thing I learned which may help others in preparing their case. If you are fighting a denial of claim by an insurance company: YOU DO NOT SUE THE INSURANCE COMPANY, THEIR INSURED IS THE DEFENDANT!

Thank you for his. It's interesting to me that I came across an attorney that is both CA and AZ as I have an issue that requires me to fight in both states. I've been taken for all the money I have, can't afford representation, and suffer from learning disabilities that have made trying to prepare for the battle, very difficult.

Thank you very much for this video. I filed a lawsuit where I am self represented where a friend (now former) owes me money.

Glad you liked the general tips in my small claims victory video!! Charge on!!!

Thanks for the tips hopefully I win my case my car was stolen and sold to a scrap yard and they crushed it the same Day.

Thanks for the video, it was very helpful. I have an upcoming court case and feel much more confident about it now!

" Excellent advice, this presentation is abundantly informative and well put to gather " !!! Thank you, Sir !!!

Thank you very much! A local businessman from whom I rented a room one year ago did not control the conduct of the two people who ran the house he managed. They didn't like me from the second they saw me because I'm gay. They were verbally abusive to me and even physically abusive to me at one point, and the man kept my rent money for the entire month after I made the conscious decision to vacate the room (early on in the month). I discovered that I am within the statute of limitations in my state and have mustered up the courage to file a small claims suit against him. This video was very helpful, as I really no very little about the law. Thank you!

Thanks so much, Steve! I'm in WA State, but you've been very helpful. So generous of you to share.

great info! "Zippy Longstocking" xD that had me cracking up

You are the man Steve, thanks for this knowledge gold!

Great video, it was detailed in a perfect fashion and I'm feeling confident about my decision to sue a driver after my insurance told me they were 85% liable for a rear end collision where I rear ended her. Their insurance denied me coverage and didn't pay a dime for my 1600$ crumpled front end, only a scratch to her SUV..

Thank you, Attorney Steve!

Working on poking holes , preparing my case to impress the Judge

Thanks a lot Steve! Very helpful and insightful. Really appreciate the "free" advice. "Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance." I think I've just adopted my new motto! Kind Regards, -Wade from CA

Thanks for the tips I'm taking someone to small claims who hit my car, her insurance never even bothered to investigate it and just went by word of mouth when she struck my rear passenger quarter panel. Regardless of the police report and the officer stating evidence showed she was at fault. I'm taking everything with me and making 3 copies

I really got some good advise so I am going to watch your video again a take notes. I'm the underdog in my case, that got the short end of the stick. So, thank you for sharing your knowledge.

Really Cool Video.... Man... This video of yours is simple and yet powerful. A true bro to the true people. Rare and nice bro...Big ups. Keep it rocking!!!

Thank you , Attorney Steve needed information

Thank you so much for posting this video and giving us all these tips. I won my case today. Thank you!!!

I have watched ur video I will get my five points in order I go to court this Thursday coming I will let you know the outcome best video that made me feel better about my case thank you so much deep breaths will be needed let me get to work

Thank you! These tips will really help me tremendously!

Great advice. Keep uploading.

thank u steve.this is the route I planned on taking,but I gotta tell u that u did turn every rock and I plan on over seeing this video everyday till court day to help keep me tuned and ready for court...thanks steve

Thanks Steve, good info and you made me smile!

Thank you for this informative and encouraging video. I took notes!

I Have a four day court case ahead of me this coming week, your points helped me study and get ready. I hope to use all your points and win and prove my case, I will be the defendant. thank you again, I'll update you on my results. cheers sir.

Thank you so very much!!! I am preparing to file a claim for a very small amount, but the guy who crashed into me had no insurance. Big NO NO!!! So, I want to go to court for my deductible of 500 $, but mainly over principle. I am a new American citizen, so I am trying to navigate the US justice system. Not an easy task for an outsider. Your video really helped me. I know I shall win!

thanks man, I have a court date in 2 weeks. I am nervous and the plaintiff. But my case is very clear and obvious so I will win, the defendant will not show up. But whats the protocol on wage garnishment? I am in Co. thumbs up.

Thanks Attorney Steve! Awesome tips!

Great video even 7 years later! Thank you.

Awesome! I cant thank you enough for taking the time to record this video.

this has helped me so much right now.

You will want to check the laws in your state to see if that is a possibliity or not to add a bad faith insurance claim. Good luck!

Thank you! Appreciate your videos! Gave me the courage to TAKE ACTION!

This is all good advice. As a property manager in NC, I've gone to court a number of times and each time I learn something new. I learned they only want the facts, and the more the better. I made sure whatever I provided on paper was in large print so the magistrate doesn't have to squint to see it (they do seem to like that). I provide clear photos (if needed). I even sat in on a case where a deputy gave testimony against a supposed drunk driver. Learned from that, too. I remember doing my first eviction. The previous manager came with me and he did all the talking. The resident we took to court (for non-payment of rent and having pit bulls) was saying all kinds of strange things about us and we just let her dig herself deeper in the hole. We could tell the judge didn't believe her. I kept very calm, but inside I was laughing at how ridiculous she sounded. Next one will be for another non-payer, and she is claiming (to the new manager) that she paid her rents by putting cash in the rent box. She doesn't know that I still collect the rents (we don't take cash) and that I keep triple records of all payments, as well as phone calls, home visits, etc. All the messages and conversations with her fill a page, and will be shown to the judge to prove when I tried to collect rents from her.

YOU are great! You see the doggie in the picture, because of him I have a case...even though it is without merit because there was no bite. Thank you for all those points, they are very helpful and so important. I am sure you are a great lawyer and i can't thank you enough. I have a question, is there any written evidence I should not give the opponent?

love ya vid thanks for the tips most likely im going to be going to court with former employer massage envy for unpaid wages i pray i win.

Thank you! I have my day tomorrow, and "keep it short and sweet" is exactly what I needed. Thank you.

I am soon to take my landlord to court over an issue with bedbugs in my apartment, that have been around for 2+ years according to the board of health in my city. The landlord knew about the bugs, did not disclose them. and when i asked about them (after i started to find them) he flat out refused to give me a bedbug/treatment history. After i found the bugs and reported them to him... he waited 3 months before calling pest control & demanded i pay half (i refused) Sadly no lawyers will touch the case as its too small for them so i it will end up being in small claims court. So i just wanted to say thank you Steve... this video is very helpful!

thank u for sharing! this is very helpful to me

I don't know if I mentioned this in the video, but lawyers cannot appear in a small claims case so I am not sure how I could be a "client for the courts". Thanks for the comments though.

Hi Ephraim, thanks for the comments. I'm not saying you anyone needs a three piece suit, I am just suggesting neat, clean (no Motley Crue t-shirts, etc.), A certain amount of respect. The same you would do if you were going to a nice function with your family. I bought a nice shirt from Target for about $15.00 that would work real well. Happy New Years!!

Great post! Very helpful as I prepare for an upcoming small claim lawsuit. Thank you.

I understand the culture behind dressing nicely for court. It's a shame, however, that the Economy is in such dire straits that many of us who can't afford such attire have to fork over just to prove our innocence. It's nothing against you, Steve, I would be advising others the same and it's amazing what people show up in court with, I know. (TY for putting this info up, btw!)

I hope this isn't a stupid question, but can I take someone to Small Claims Court for refusing to pay me back $60?

Going to use this info! Was sold a bad car in private party, was completely misrepresented and I have messages, witnesses to prove so.

Thank you so much for for your tips!!

You look like Tate Donovan.

Thank you Council. You have made me realize how much work I still need to do. It's a bit nerve racking becuz my small claims in VanNuys was dropped then trnsf to Superior court in LA cuz other side is now claiming bodily injury where there is none but the other side has an attorney and I don't. I will be representing myself and will definitely utilize all 10 steps. You have been so very helpful. Bless you.

I appreciate the time you took to make this video. This has helped tremendously in what to expect as I begin to file a small claim. Thanks again.

Thank you very much Mr Vondra i will fallow all you recommendation

Thank you for this video I e watched it several times as I am taking my landlord to small claims court

Thanks. Settled privately and was happy with the outcome. Tips useful.

Excelent video, I love it. Thank you so much. I would watch it a couple of times.

Excellent suggestions Steve. Love the " don't be a fool on a stool" tip. haha When I am triumphant, I'll try not to do the Rocky dance in the judge's courtroom...

That was really nice of you to share this with us. I appreciate it very much. I will for sure apply your advice to my upcoming event. Thanks again.

Thanks!! Great video.I really appreciate these types of videos, with topics covering just about anything. This is one of the best!

I’m very thankful for this video, as a property manager I have gone to court so many times and won, I agree with you that preparation is the key, never been on the other side of the fence until now, but seeing this video I feel more confident and comfortable to stand in front of the judge, thank you very much for the advice!

Marvelously presented!!This is solid advice for court...you thought of everything even suggesting taking a deep breath, being prepared, keepin it short, tips on manners. Suggestions on what to do and whatever-you-do-DO-NOT-DO (smirks, tongue clicks or eye rolling either huh)! Wow, thank you for your insightful and thoughtful words!🖕

That's a very good question Paul. Most counties have a local law library. If you go in they are usually very helpful. Tell them what you are looking for, and they should be able to point you in the right direction. A good internet search (I myself like to read other attorney websites) can also be helpful. Again, small claims judges (at least in California where I am licensed) have wide latitude on deciding cases, but to me it's always good to be able to talk about what the law requires if you can. Best of luck and thank you for the excellent question! Steve