Court Reporter withholding transcript

[jmaxx]

First time poster.
In a divorce case (Superior court in Georgia) in which all payments for the court reporter's fees have been paid 6 months ago, there is still no transcript of the temporary hearing filed with the clerk. I waited several months for the transcript as it would contain remarks made by the judge that would possibly void the case. Curiously, the reporter called me to come pick up a copy of the completed transcript which was certified by the reporter and marked COPY, but has not been filed with the clerk. After reviewing the transcript I was disappointed to find several significant alterations that almost totally removed all damaging statements made by the judge and discussed this with the reporter. I had an attorney for the temp hearing, and thinking about not using any attorney for final hearing. Custody of child was awarded to mother at temporary hearing & I expect the same at the final. My intent is to appeal or collaterally attack the custody award based on statements made by judge at temp hearing. The hearing was also recorded on tape. Anyone have any knowledge of how can I proceed to get the true transcript? Final hearing is coming up soon. Thank You, jmaxx

[2tim215]

You might be able to purchase the tape which I doubt would be altered. Sometimes they use an outside service for that (unless the reporter did that as well). You would need to get the name of the service (or unfortunately the court reporter if that's who has it) and order it from them if that's the case. Go to the court and ask for this information and someone should be able to give it to you.

2tim215

2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

[David Merrill]

Hire your own court reporter.

[2tim215]

Originally Posted by David Merrill

Hire your own court reporter.

I think that this is the best advice in general prior to going to court. However, it seems to me that you are trying to get information which was supposedly inaccurately reported and the reporter (in collusion with the presiding judge) pulled some shenanigans on you which is evidence that bringing in your own reporter is good advice. In the future as DM says you should bring your own reporter (at your cost of course), which will insure that you get an accurate transcript but in the meantime I believe you are asking what can you do to try and get an accurate transcript after the fact. I suggested you try and find out if there is a taped version as you suggested there might be and see if you can somehow purchase that. Please correct me if I'm mis-interpreting what you are asking for.

2tim215

2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

[charlesa6]

jmaxx, welcome to the forum. I agree with david, get your own reporter that is the way to go.

[mrg]

Out of curiousity, what might be the cost of hiring your own "court" reporter compared to the cost of obtaining the "transcript" (haha) from the "court's" reporter?

[Ice]

Originally Posted by mrg

Out of curiousity, what might be the cost of hiring your own "court" reporter compared to the cost of obtaining the "transcript" (haha) from the "court's" reporter?

The cost is isn't the issue. The issue is having a true and very accurate transcript. One of the most frequent court exercises is the alteration of the transcript. You will find other threads within the forum that deal with this issue. Check some of the older threads.

Ice

[mrg]

Originally Posted by Ice

The cost is isn't the issue.

The issue is having a true and very accurate transcript.

One of the most frequent court exercises is the alteration of the transcript.

You will find other threads within the forum that deal with this issue.

Check some of the older threads.

Ice

Of course I understand cost is not the issue.

I full well know that courts alter transcripts, among other nefarious habitual deceits.

I full well understand the importance of having a verbatim transcript of every word.

I do not understand the nature of your reply.

I am connected with with people who are addressing the issue of the altering of transcripts, as well as other issues of corruption.

I personally know of a particularly egegious case involving a pro se litigant succesfully suing the City of Chhicago (pro se, after having to fire at least two "lawyers"), which was overturned on appeal based on altered transcripts.

I just was curious to know how much one's own court reporter is likely to cost, and how that cost compares to somebody paying for a transcript that might be subject to alteration.

Was that unclear?

[jmaxx]

Thanks for the responses. I will get the tape if possible. Also, are there any documents that may be submitted to pressure the release of the current transcript or tape? Would it help to submitt an affidavit stating a few of the damaging remarks made by the judge which I can quote verbatim? Also, what about fraud where the transcript has never even been filed with the clerk after accepting full payment. ---And, this court will not allow outside reporters (Georgia Superior court system).

[charlesa6]

Originally Posted by jmaxx

Thanks for the responses. I will get the tape if possible. Also, are there any documents that may be submitted to pressure the release of the current transcript or tape? Would it help to submitt an affidavit stating a few of the damaging remarks made by the judge which I can quote verbatim? Also, what about fraud where the transcript has never even been filed with the clerk after accepting full payment. ---And, this court will not allow outside reporters (Georgia Superior court system).

Everytime, people, BB, blackrobe etc., preventing others not to do something or allowed, they get some sh$t in their pocket, which you will not allow them to get away with it. File the complaint with the judicial board review, or Chief justice of that county.
Yes, file affidavit to back up your story, and notaries it too.