When a smog shop owner gets to us months after they’ve been dealing with a Bureau of Auto Repair accusation, we’ll still do everything we can to help them. And during those initial conversations, a Los Angeles auto repair owner might admit they placed those BAR accusation in the To Do Later box.
Even when they felt something tugging in the back of their brains to address it asap. Most of us have had that feeling where we’ve dismissed the importance of something only to deal with the consequences later. And when they finally contact our smog tech defense lawyers, all we can do is research the current circumstances and move forward to help them save what they can of their business.
We won’t judge our clients because it happens more often than you think. Smog techs have packed schedules serving L.A. residents with smog testing and repairs. And those customers can be anxious to get the service done quickly so they can get back to their schedules. Customer service and support can take up the entire day. A smog shop owner might dismiss the severity of the BAR suspension, telling themselves, “Oh, it won’t be that bad, and I can handle it myself.” They might even have it on their calendar to meet the deadline and expect to visit the judge without a Smog defense attorney because they believe they have the evidence to prove their innocence.
If you are a Smog tech or business owner who is currently ready to represent yourself, hold up there! We have no doubt you are an expert in smog testing and repairs. It’s mind-boggling when you end up in front of a BAR lawyer who can turn your words around. And the judge will be listening to them!
Don’t make excuses and speak to an expert team of Smog tech lawyers in Los Angeles
Just in case you are not clear what can happen to your Smog and auto repair business if you lose, here are a few reminders.
First, your response time to a Bureau of Auto Repair notice matters. If you do not respond by the deadline (normally 15 to 30 days), the BAR will make a default decision. That means you have given up your right to a hearing and all penalties will be issued without the opportunity to defend yourself.
Second, if you go in without a defense lawyer, the judgment can include a mandatory shutdown of your smog business. In addition, the BAR can revoke your ARD (Auto Repair Dealer) registration. Your business and career are over, full stop.
Third, Continued dismissal of BAR notifications and missed deadlines rolls downhill like a deadly rockslide, leaving you under it. And the BAR can bill you their time for investigating and enforcing this nightmare.
The risks of ignoring BAR notices and the lack of legal representation can destroy everything you have: a STAR certification, an auto repair business, all of it. We are not exaggerating because it happens all the time. And even if this is not your situation, your smog testing shop can still suffer consequences for going at this alone.
The State of California doesn’t mess around. And a Smog shop and auto repair owner is going to need an expert team of smog tech lawyers in Los Angeles who understand that. We don’t make excuses; we get right to work defending you from the Bureau of Auto Repair’s accusations.