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DEFENDANT'S INSTRUCTIONS
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Please fill out the enclosed answer form and return it
to the Clerk's Office.
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If the attached complaint shows this case to be in
small claims, it is not necessary to hire an attorney although you may dos
so, if you wish. In the event both parties do not have attorneys,
the Judge shall ask questions of each party and decide the case on the
evidence.
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You may bring witnesses with you to testify on your
behalf or you may have witnesses subpoenaed by providing a list of their
names and addresses and telephone numbers to the Court Clerk of the Polk
County District Court. There will be an additional cost for service
of each subpoena.
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Bring to court all papers, receipts and other materials
that might be useful as evidence in the case.
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If you wish to contest this claim and it is not
possible to appear on the disposition date on the complaint, please notify
the Clerk of the Court in person or by telephone no later than five days
prior to the court date, and the Clerk will assist you in requesting a new
date. In arranging this new date, keep in mind that court meets at
1:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month. If you do not appear
at the new date a judgment will be entered against you. The
telephone number of the Court Clerk is (479) 394-3271.
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Bring this form with you when you come to court.
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In court, direct all statements and questions to the
Judge.
IMPORTANT: IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A WRITTEN ANSWER, A
DEFAULT JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU FOR THE AMOUNT OF THE CLAIM
FILED PLUS THE COURT COSTS. IF THIS OCCURS, YOUR WAGES OR BANK
ACCOUNTS MAY BE GARNISHED, OR ANY OF YOUR PERSONAL PROPERTY MAY BE TAKEN AND
SOLD TO PAY THE JUDGMENT.
DO NOT FAIL TO FILE A WRITTEN ANSWER
TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT'S):
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You have been SUED by the afore named plaintiff(s).
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YOU MUST FILE THE ATTACHED ANSWER FORM WITH THIS COURT,
WITHIN 20 DAYS FORM THE DATE ON WHICH YOU RECEIVED THIS SUMMONS OR A
JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU.
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In the event you fail to file a written answer, a
judgment may be entered against you. If a judgment is entered
against you, you do have the right to appeal to Circuit Court within 30
days after the disposition date on the reverse side.
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You may seek the advice of an attorney on any matter
connected with this suit or your answer. Such attorney should be
consulted immediately so that an answer may be filed within the time limit
stated above.
Amount for which the plaintiff may take judgment if you
fail to appear, excusive of interest:
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