We were renting in West Hollywood and began to have legal problems with a unscrupulous landlord. We went to the city for help they referred us to Alla. They all know this landlord and suspect him. Just a day and a half from trial Alla informs us that she cannot go to trial but also advised us we di...dn’t have to appear and to Simply sign a settlement. We were hit with a stipulation judgement and a default judgement. This cost us what possessions and civil rights we had. Both my fiancé and I were reaching out offering evidence and asking if we needed to be at the hearing. Shockingly we were told by Alla in writing we did not have to appear. Alla did not show up. The stipulation explicitly waived our rights to any possessions left in the premises after the agreed upon termination of occupancy date. We also gave up any rights under civil procedure code 1983 and any legal notices.
I would never give up my civil rights or my constitutional rights under the 4th 5th or 14th amendments. I am at a loss for words as to the motives or actions that occurred next. I can only say my experience was horrendous and without ever being subjected to tyranny this is what I imagine it would like
I would strongly refrain from ever using a pro bono firm in LA. I would take my chances but whatever you do never miss a court date or response