Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in California

I have owned a small California business (1-3 employees) for the past 11 years. Just two days ago I was served with a summons (Suboena Duces Tecum) to appear in court in 8 days from a Superior Court from a county located 3 hours from my location. Evidently there was a judgment entered against my company in 2007 by a Yellow Page company for an ad that I took out in 2004 for which I had contacted when the ad was published not in accordance with our contract. I have not had the benefit of retaining counsel in the county of jurisdiction and I would like to do so. 8 days in December (end of month, end of year) is not enough time to be able to retain counsel, meet with counsel, prepare legal strategies, conduct my business as scheduled etc. How can I request a continuance (In Pro Per) until I retain counsel and have ample time to review my legal options etc? Can I call the Superior Court and request a continuance or do I need to file a written request?


Asked on 12/14/14, 10:18 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Charles Perry Law Offices of Charles R. Perry

The papers should have a name and telephone number of an attorney on them. The first step would be to speak to that attorney, explain that you are looking for counsel, and request an extension. They may ask you to talk about the case, and a payment plan. Say you need to speak to counsel first, and again request the extension. They should give it to you, usually for a couple of weeks.

If they don't, you can ask the court for an extension. Even local counsel can do that for you. In any event, your request will need to be in writing, with a copy served on the other side. There is no form for this.

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Answered on 12/14/14, 11:53 pm


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