Centro Legal Comunitario

Los Angeles

Estefana of Paramount CA (10/05/01):
I received an eviction notice from my landlord for my place of business. I did not understand or know how to respond to the notice so I solicitated the services from "Centro Legal Comunitario". I found them by responding to an ad on an advertising magazine. I explained to the receptionist, Esperanza, my situation, and I gave her my information, and said she would relate it to an "attorney".

My next contact was with Ana, she explained to me the fees that I needed and she would come to pick the money and paperwork to file the response to the eviction. The fees were $89 for the court, $350 for legal representation for "Assistencia Legal", $150 for the paperwork for "Assistencia Legal". Just several days ago, I received these 3 checks that were cashed from my bank, and I noticed that 2 of them had been altered, as to whose name it was payable to. The checks were made out to "Assistencia Legal" and when the checks were cashed, "or Karen Robles" was added.

A week before my court date I was asked from Ana to deposit my rent money owed into her bank account, because it was required by the court. She explained to me that the court required the money to be deposited into her account and not mine. So I did. After that deposit was made, I did not receive a single phone call. Nor any of mine were returned. My last attempt was the day of my hearing, when I called early that morning, Ana told me that my attorney was notified late but that he/she would show up.

I appeared to the hearing with no legal representation. In the middle of my hearing, Karen Robles shows up, but not as legal representation, but as my interpreter. I don't need an interpreter, even the judge was aware of that, and was upset of the misleading information that was given to me. I have tried to contact Ana, numerous times and she has never returned my call. I have only had contact with her receptionist Esperanza, if that is her name. I've sent her a certified letter and it was returned to me with no fowarding address.

I was able to get ahold of her landlord Mr and Mrs Sherman, and they told me that Ms Salcedo is still residing at this location, and that it is a residence and not a business. They have tried to get ahold of her and not been able to for the last month. I searched thru the "Better Business Bureau" and found out there is several complaints, I only wish I would have done that before. I am on my way to see if her business is even registered/licensed.

I lost the $1100 that was given to her for services and to pay my due rent, I had no representation in court, and lost my business location. I now have to relocate and I have not had any luck finding anything in my price range or in the vecinity to accomodate my clients. I have been in this location for over 10 years. Luckily, my landlord sympathized my situation and has made accomodations for me. I very grateful to her.

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