Today a friend of mine was in court for a hearing in Pennsylvania, drove from Georgia to appear for the hearing, an 18 hour drive.
The judge called both attorneys into his chambers and when they came out they were laughing, the judge proceeded to postpone the hearing until February 12th, then laughed and said "Let's make it February 14th, Valentines day, maybe then the two love birds will kiss and make up."
The "two lovebirds" in question have been divorced for over 10 years and the ex wife has been remarried for several years. The hearing was regarding child support.
I fail to see anything funny with the way the judges/attorneys in Pennsylvania treat people from out of state, especially men that are in accordance with their child support.
*With him should he file a complaint?
*Has anyone every filed a complaint in Pennsylvania, if so, what, if anything, happened?
I'd like to hear what you have to say if you are the non custodial parent with the children living in PA.
2007-12-05 08:23:26 · 10 answers · asked by justceleste 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
You are absolutely correct John K, 18 hours is one way, it takes 36 hours for a round trip.
2007-12-05 08:49:11 · update #1
He has no grounds for a complaint. Both sides have the right to ask for the case to be continued. The judge can also decide to continue a case based on his case load. There are no rules against judges from knowing and being friends with lawyers or for them to share a good laugh.
2007-12-05 08:26:14 · answer #1 · answered by davidmi711 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Doesn't sound like anything illegal happened. You WANT your attorney to be friends or friendly with the opposing counsel and the judge. That is the BEST thing for you. I'd probably want to know WHY the hearing was continued but continuances are routinely granted for very little reason. Their comments may have been in bad taste but it doesn't rise to misconduct. I'd call the court before your next hearing and make sure the hearing is going to go on the 14th. Next, I would contact your attorney and ask him if the hearing is going to go...you should be able to appear by phone if you live out of state...talk to your attorney.
2007-12-05 08:29:33 · answer #2 · answered by lahockeyg 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This type of behavior is very common and probably happens right in your own home state. I've experienced this on several occasions and while I may not approve of it, I doubt you can really do anything about it. No violations were actually committed. Just have your friend move on with his next court date. Have him watch the Judge in future hearings for any type of misconduct and make a note of it.
2007-12-05 08:31:02 · answer #3 · answered by bobe 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Here is the link for filing a complaint with PA's Judicial Conduct Board. I wouldn't count on much happening, but good luck.
http://www.judicialconductboardofpa.org/FilingAComplaint.html
2007-12-05 11:08:28 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Continuances are par for the course. I see nothing wrong with what the judge did based on the little information you have provided. And, I know it does not take 18 hrs from Ga. to Pa.
2007-12-05 08:43:51 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Just pay an attorney to represent you in absentia! It will save you grief and travel and the games they play. Best money spent.
2007-12-05 08:28:52 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know how you can prove it but you could always report it to the AG office and the state bar assocation. give the aclu a try.
2007-12-05 08:26:38 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
suggest you call the bar association, and the state legislative offices on this one.
2007-12-05 08:26:41 · answer #8 · answered by essentiallysolo 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Not very professional.
Look here:
http://www.judicialconductboardofpa.org/
2007-12-05 08:31:30 · answer #9 · answered by scottclear 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
one thing for sure..... writing about it on yahoo.com is gonna make sure nothing ever sticks and you're now screwed....well done!
2007-12-05 08:27:52 · answer #10 · answered by Mike J 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋