Lawson E Thomas Cthse

Not a place you necessarily want to be. However everyone was always been helpful.

Today I was a victim of a scam in this courthouse. When waiting for my hearing, some random lady (carrying no badge of any form of ID) comes to the wait room collecting money for what she claims to be "court reporting fees". The woman, who spoke both English and Spanish, collected money from many other people, including myself. She mentioned these fees were voluntary fees however never explained in detail what she meant. Myself, being naive, never asked for a receipt, the lady never asked my name or my case number nor did she ever provide me a business card . I handed her a 20$ bill and she gave me back my change (5$) , which she took from inside her bra -literally. The whole thing was just weird and I did have a feeling something wasnt right, but I didnt give it too much thought. When looking back, I realize how bogus this whole thing was. After my hearing was over, I asked the bailiff for that lady's info or how could I obtain those records. The baillif, very nonchalantly tells me he has no idea who the lady is nor whom she works for. Mind you, I did notice the baillif telling the thief lady "you're late today" when she first arrived and having multiple giggly and friendly conversations with herthroughout the entire hour and a half I was there , which indicated baillif and mystery woman did know each other. I kindly asked the baillif to go back in the courtoom and ask court reporters what is the name of the company the woman who took 15$ from me and at least 20 other people worked, and how could I get in touch with her to get what I paid for. I understand I should know better, but these courts should never allow such thing to happen; there should be some fiscalization in these courthouses as this is a scam that is likely been going on for a while. These thieves target vulnerable victims such as my people (immigrants who most of the time dont even speak English). The baillif pretended to had asked the court reporters and told me nobody in there knew who the lady is or what company she works for. I went to a different floor, the lady clerk told me the employees at that particular courtoom are the ones who must tell me which company they hire for court reports, for each courtroom hire different private companies. I went to a different floor, this man tells me the exact same thing. I went back to judge's Fajardo-Orshan's courtoom and spoke to baillif again; he started becoming agitated and agressively told me how he has no idea who the woman was or her contact info. Now tell me.... he didnt know who she was but was chatting with this woman for hours today? I called an attorney I know and she told me the whole things is a scam. I hope youre able to be at peace with yourselves because if I did what you and this woman do to people I would never be able to lay my head in the pillow at night. Today was a nightmare, I had a divorce hearing (which is difficult enough), plus I was robbed 15$ (The amount means nothing but the aggravation and feeling of hopelessness do) and nobody helped me. I felt as if I was back in my country, where robbery is an everyday thing and none does nothing to change that. The baillif is a coward thief and I wouldnt be surprised if other people from this courthouse are involved in this scamm , too. Watch out.

The staff was very friendly and helpful, they do take care of you and make you feel welcome. The cops were nice , specifically the one at the door handeling the cases. Judge Maria was very nice and the staff and translator that day as well. Overall it was perfect and thank you for the service. I wish I could come back but for other reasons. Lol ....perhaps one day to bring them catering U0001f600.

Nice newer building BUT the lines are always long, the process is snail/turtle mode, it takes forever to get something done and staff are always clueless. For example staff will tell you to go to certain floor when you arrive another staff will tell you to go to the following floor. I visit 5 floor before finding the correct floor. I file a document and it took almost 2 weeks to scan and upload it online. Ridiculous Tax payer dollars going towards poor service.

Judge and prosecutors we're interested in Justice. Thank you. It is as it should be.