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Fraud Alert: Scam Text Messages Claiming DMV Penalties -

We have been made aware of fraudulent text messages being sent to individuals claiming to be from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the court system. These messages often state that the recipient owes penalties or fees related to traffic violations or DMV infractions and may include a link or phone number to resolve the matter. 

Take these steps to reduce the chances of falling victim to a text message scam:

  • Never respond to unsolicited or suspicious texts — If you receive a message asking for personal or financial information, do not reply.
  • Verify the source — If you are unsure, always contact the DMV through official channels.
  • Call the DMV if you have concerns — The DMV customer service team is available to help you at 800-777-0133.

Please see DMV warning about fraudulent texts: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/news-and-media/dmv-warns-of-fraudulent-te…

Jury Scam alert -

The Santa Barbara Superior Court has received complaints about individuals trying to scam members of the public by pretending to be court officers or officials. The Jury Services office of the Santa Barbara Superior Court does not call citizens to request payments for failing to appear for jury duty. California law does not permit citizens to pay a fine in lieu of jury duty. If you receive such a call simply hang up and, if the scammer persists, call your local law enforcement agency. Learn more about the recent scam warning.

Notice to Jurors:

Prospective jurors summoned for jury service can expect to receive their jury summons in postcard form. Please check your mail for a postcard with important instructions to fulfil your jury service. Visit the Jury Services page for more information.

Conservatorship of Elmira Phillips

Case Number

19PR00416

Case Type

Conservatorship

Hearing Date / Time

Mon, 06/10/2024 - 08:30

Nature of Proceedings

Petition for Attorney’s Fees

Tentative Ruling

Probate Notes:

Appearances required.

The petition is recommended for approval, with a reduction.

Attorney for Conservatee proffered several entries that appear to be a “minimum billing time” of .2 hours (12 minutes) each, billed at $400/hr (for $80 each entry).  The Court should not approve these entries in full. 

Many of the entries are for reviewing emails or tentative rulings that required no response, and would not require an ordinary attorney doing the same work 12 minutes to complete.  The following are examples:

Work Performed Time Spent Rate Billed Amount Charged
Case Review: Tentative Ruling .2 $400 $80
Case Review: Capacity Declaration .2 $400 $80
Review email: [Sender] .2 $400 $80

There are at least 31 entries in the billing statement that are similar to those above, equaling $2,480 of the $9,243 bill, or 26% of the bill overall. 

It is recommended the Court cut these fees by at least half, because it is highly unlikely it took more than 6 minutes of time performing these tasks.

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