FULL VIDEO AT THE END OF THE POST
The Case of the Two Mercedes
Mr. Garcia, the plaintiff, brought a case against Mr. Brown, the defendant.
Mr. Garcia sought the return of two Mercedes cars.
These cars, a 1999 and a 2000 model, were in Mr. Brown's possession.
Mr. Brown had taken them for repairs in 2017.
Mr. Garcia claimed Mr. Brown was holding his cars.
He stated Mr. Brown had not returned them.
Mr. Brown, conversely, claimed Mr. Garcia owed him money.
This money was for repairs and storage.
The Plaintiff's Car Acquisitions
Mr. Garcia purchased a 2000 Mercedes in 2016.
He bought it privately in Georgia.
The purchase price was $2800.
Mr. Garcia stated the car was in perfect condition at the time of purchase.
He also bought a 1990 Mercedes-Benz SEL in 2016.
This car was purchased privately in North Carolina.
He paid $4200 for the 1990 model.
Mr. Garcia described the 1990 Mercedes as a classic.
He noted it was a hard-to-find 300 SEL four-door sedan.
Judge Judy questioned why he paid more for the older model.
Mr. Garcia explained its classic status and rarity.
The Cars Become Undrivable
In late 2017, specifically December, the 2000 Mercedes became undrivable.
Mr. Garcia stated it would not start one day.
He attempted to jump-start the car.
The jump-start did not work.
This indicated a problem beyond just the battery.
The 1990 Mercedes also developed issues.
Mr. Garcia had Mr. Brown take the 1990 Mercedes for air conditioning repair.
Mr. Brown drove this car from Greensboro.
He was taking it to his shop.
The transmission failed either en route or shortly after arrival.
Mr. Brown confirmed the transmission went out.
He stated he could not make it out of the driveway the next day.
Mr. Brown Takes Possession
Mr. Brown took possession of both vehicles in 2017.
The 2000 Mercedes was towed to Mr. Brown's shop.
It was not drivable at that time.
Mr. Garcia initially claimed both cars were towed.
However, he later admitted Mr. Brown drove the 1990 Mercedes.
Mr. Brown confirmed he drove the 1990 Mercedes from Greensboro.
He stated he towed the other car.
Mr. Garcia paid Mr. Brown $300 cash for a battery.
This battery was for one of the cars.
Mr. Garcia confirmed this payment.
He stated he paid no other money to Mr. Brown.
Current Condition and Status
Mr. Garcia admitted he had not started the cars in several months.
He also stated they were not currently drivable.
He had canceled insurance and registration for both cars.
Mr. Garcia still held the titles for both vehicles.
The 1990 Mercedes remained undrivable due to the transmission issue.
The 2000 Mercedes might be drivable with a jump start.
However, it had not been started recently.
Mr. Brown's Claims and Lack of Evidence
Mr. Brown claimed Mr. Garcia owed him for repairs.
He also sought payment for storage of the two Mercedes cars.
He stated he had put money into the cars for repairs.
Mr. Brown wanted to be paid for these expenses.
He also wanted storage fees before returning the vehicles.
Judge Judy asked Mr. Brown if he had receipts.
She asked for receipts for any work or parts purchased.
Mr. Brown admitted he had no receipts.
He explained he lost all his receipts and invoices.
This loss occurred when he left a lady's house where he was staying.
Judge Judy's Scrutiny
Judge Judy emphasized the importance of receipts.
She stated she was prepared to order Mr. Garcia to pay for repairs.
This would only happen if Mr. Brown had proof of expenses.
Without receipts, Mr. Brown could not substantiate his claims.
Judge Judy noted Mr. Brown's request for storage fees was "ridiculous."
She focused on the lack of documentation for any work performed.
Mr. Brown's inability to produce receipts was a critical turning point.
Dismissal of Counterclaim
Judge Judy dismissed Mr. Brown's counterclaim.
This dismissal was due to the complete lack of receipts.
Mr. Brown had no proof of expenses for parts or labor.
He also had no basis for storage fees.
Therefore, Mr. Brown was not granted any money.
He received no payment for repairs or storage.
The Verdict and Instructions
Mr. Garcia was ordered to retrieve his cars.
Judge Judy told Mr. Garcia to "get dollar signs out of your eyes."
She instructed him to go and get his cars.
She reminded him he had the titles.
She advised him to call a sheriff if necessary.
Mr. Brown's counterclaim was dismissed.
This meant he had no lien on the cars.
He could not claim money for storage or anything else.
Plaintiff's Concerns and Judge Judy's Response
Mr. Garcia expressed concern about paying to retrieve his cars.
He noted Mr. Brown had picked them up from his house.
Mr. Garcia also stated he no longer lived in Georgia.
He had moved to Utah.
Judge Judy told him if he did not want to get the cars, then don't.
She warned that Mr. Brown might "chop them up."
Mr. Garcia worried about losing possession and value.
He questioned Judge Judy's attention to his concerns.
Judge Judy reiterated her instruction.
She told him to go and get the cars.
She stated that if the cars were not in the same or worse condition, he could sue.
This potential lawsuit would be for damage or destruction.
She concluded by telling him to call a sheriff and get his cars.