Bureau of Auto Repair representatives and lawyers going back and forth about a decision can be confusing to a smog technician at the center of the discussion. Then there are the complaints from the disgruntled customer.
We respect the expertise of STAR-certified smog testing professionals, but the legalities of a smog case normally end up in another realm. The deadlines, fines, and legal jargon take time to absorb and understand. Smog professionals may be used to managing detailed paperwork, but the forms for disputing bureau of automotive repair decisions can seem next level.
For example, when learning to prepare for how to dispute a Bureau of Automotive Repair decision, paperwork must be in order. Here are a few of the documents a smog shop owner will be expected to produce.
- Original work orders and estimates of associated costs for all repairs with customer approval.
- Invoices that include parts, labor, taxes, and associated work, such as hazardous waste disposal.
- Repair Shop communications, such as emails, tasks, and letters about the repairs.
- Customer complaint and dispute letters, and shop responses.
- Evidence of efforts to resolve the dispute. This entails letters, an offer of new repairs, and other work to make the situation right.
- Notices and all documentation from BAR investigations, including inspection reports, suspensions, citations, violation notices, etc.
Every piece of paper is an opportunity to clear a smog shop of wrongdoing, so nothing should be left out. And the more organized the paperwork is, with clear labeling, the better. But maybe this isn’t a problem for an organized smog shop owner.
Our Team is Ready to Fight for You in the Big Leagues of Smog Repair Disputes.
The next question might be, why would a smog shop need a defense lawyer if they can schedule a meeting and plead their case? The BAR offers an informational citation conference, which can be scheduled at headquarters or on the phone. After that meeting, the BAR will decide whether to move forward with the citation or modify it. They may also dismiss the citation altogether. This seems simple enough, right?
Even if a smog shop owner believes the evidence is in their favor, the decision might not go their way. When learning how to dispute a Bureau of Automotive Repair decision, remember their lawyers are out to win. And if the argument cannot be perfectly articulated, they probably will. It’s just a fact that the smog professional is typically out of their league when arguing with the state agency.
You wouldn’t send a little league player into the big leagues, right? Even with the best player’s skill and heart, there is still no match for a next-level situation. That’s why the best option for avoiding penalties and wasting valuable time is to work with a defense attorney who is well-versed in Bureau of Automotive Repair accusations. Wherever you are in California – from Los Angeles to San Francisco, Yerba Linda to Riverside, Truckee to Lincoln – our attorney specialize in defending auto repair shops and smog station against the powerful regulatory actions of the State of California.