Facing a Small Claims lawsuit? Defend yourself!
Winning lawyers go to court with a trial presentation. You can too!
With step-by-step guidance, build your JusticeDirect Trial Presentation™ so you can convince the Judge at your Small Claims Court hearing.
See what our users are saying!
Present a Convincing Case in Small Claims Court with JD Trial Presentation™
Be Ready
Get detailed court info and to-dos, so you know exactly what to do before, during, and after your small claims court hearing.
Be Organized
Include all your important facts and evidence so the Judge can easily understand your story during the hearing.
Be Convincing
Present your story clearly and succinctly with supporting evidence. Have everything you need to effectively respond to the judge’s questions.
It’s as Easy as
Settle
Send a Settlement Letter to the Plaintiff with your settlement terms to try and resolve the case out of court.
Build
With a guided process, build your defense, create a court statement, complete your timeline, and upload important evidence to complete your case.
Present
Receive your completed JD Trial Presentation™ along with how-to instructions for your day in court.
Print and bring to your Small Claims hearing so you can effectively present your case and convince the Judge.
Pricing
COMPLETE
$49.50
Preview completed JD Trial Presentation™ before you pay!
Guided Legal Education
Settlement Letter PDF Download
Priority Email Support
Scheduled Phone Support
JusticeDirect Trial Presentation™:
Court Preparation Information
Customized Defendant Statement
Detailed Case Timeline & Evidence
Table Calculating Money Owed
Copies of All Relevant Documents
3 Copies: You, Plaintiff, & Judge
After Court Hearing To-Dos
BASIC
$0
Guided Legal Education
Settlement Letter PDF Download
Winning lawyers use trial presentations. So can you.
Small Claims Court hearings are typically only 15-30 minutes. You must be effective and efficient in presenting your case within that limited time.
A strong trial presentation includes several key components to help you win:
(1) A defendant statement to summarize your story (you don’t owe any money, you owe less, or that you can only pay in smaller payments over time);
(2) A comprehensive timeline;
(3) All your key evidence;
(4) Supporting documentation to recover costs and show that you followed all the necessary court procedures.
You may want to send a Settlement Letter if you haven’t yet.
PREPARE AND PRESENT IN A SMALL CLAIMS HEARING ➜
FAQs
What do I need to do before I attend my Small Claims court hearing?
Being well-prepared for your Small Claims hearing will increase your chances of getting a fair judgment. There are many things you can do to be prepared, such as attending another Small Claims hearing to see how court is conducted. With the JD Trial Presentation™, you will receive a checklist of things to do so you will be well-prepared for your day in court.
What should I say and bring for my court hearing?
- With limited time (15-30 minutes) to present your case to the judge, you will want to be effective and efficient with your answers. During this time, both parties will be questioned, so you will want to have references on hand to quickly answer those questions without any delays or hesitation.
- The most important thing to bring is evidence that will help prove your story. The JD Trial Presentation™ will help you organize all your evidence in a chronological Timeline with page number references so the Judge can easily find what is needed.
What if I can’t attend my small claims hearing?
If you can’t attend your hearing, you can submit a form SC-150 (Request to Postpone Trial) to reschedule your hearing to a different time.
What if the Plaintiff doesn’t show up to the small claims hearing?
- If the Plaintiff doesn’t show up to the hearing, your case may be “dismissed”. Oftentimes, it is “dismissed without prejudice” which means the Plaintiff may still refile the case.
How long after my small claims hearing would I get my result?
The result after your hearing is commonly referred to as a judgment. It typically takes 3-7 business days after the hearing to receive the judgment. In some cases, you may receive your judgment on the day of your hearing. However, in some instances, you may receive your judgment on the day of your hearing. The judgment will have information on who owes money (if any), and how much.
What happens after my court hearing?
- If you win: As the Defendant, winning your court case means you do not owe the other party anything. The Plaintiff won’t be able to appeal this decision either so the case is closed.
- If you lose: As the Defendant, losing your court case means you owe the other party. If you don’t agree with this decision, you may choose to appeal this decision.
Want to learn more about Small Claims Court?
Check out these resources!
Settlement Offer as a Defendant
How to Sue the Other Person that Sued You
What if I lose my Small Claims case as a Defendant?
After winning my Small Claims case as a Defendant
Additional Educational Resources
