On 02/14/2019 ACCREDITED SURETY AND CASUALTY COMPANY, INC , A CORPORATION filed a Contract - Other Contract lawsuit against INFINITY DATA NETWORKS, INC . This case was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Courts, Spring Street Courthouse located in Los Angeles, California. The Judge overseeing this case is JAMES E. BLANCARTE. The case status is Pending - Other Pending.
*******1556
02/14/2019
Pending - Other Pending
Los Angeles County Superior Courts
Spring Street Courthouse
Los Angeles, California
JAMES E. BLANCARTE
ACCREDITED SURETY AND CASUALTY COMPANY INC. A CORPORATION
BUJOLD BRANDON JOSEPH DBA TMK CONSTRUCTION
INFINITY DATA NETWORKS INC. DBA INFINITY GENERAL CONTRACTORS GROUP A CORPORATION
GOTTERER BRIAN
AHLGRIM MARTIN AKA MARTIN CARL AHLGRIM
ROCHA KAREL G
ACCREDITED SURETY AND CASUALTY COMPANY INC. A CORPORATION
PAGAN JOHN MICHAEL
ROCHA KAREL G
PAGAN JOHN MICHAEL
GONZALES ADAM C
12/10/2020: Proof of Service (not Summons and Complaint) - Proof of Service (not Summons and Complaint)
11/12/2020: Minute Order - Minute Order (Court Order)
9/30/2020: Minute Order - Minute Order (Hearing on Motion to be Relieved as Counsel)
7/31/2020: Proof of Service (not Summons and Complaint) - Proof of Service (not Summons and Complaint)
7/31/2020: Notice of Rejection Default/Clerk's Judgment - Notice of Rejection Default/Clerk's Judgment
8/3/2020: Request for Entry of Default / Judgment - Request for Entry of Default / Judgment
7/10/2020: Minute Order - Minute Order (Court Order Re: Motion to Be Relieved as Counsel)
7/10/2020: Certificate of Mailing for - Certificate of Mailing for (Court Order Re: Motion to Be Relieved as Counsel) of 07/10/2020
6/24/2020: Proof of Personal Service - Proof of Personal Service
1/2/2020: Cross-Complaint - Cross-Complaint
12/4/2019: Cross-Complaint - Cross-Complaint
11/4/2019: Stipulation and Order (name extension) - Stipulation and Order Stipulation and Order to Set Aside Request for Entry of Default
6/12/2019: Motion re: (name extension) - Motion re: to Deposit by Stakeholder
6/12/2019: Memorandum of Points & Authorities - Memorandum of Points & Authorities
3/21/2019: Proof of Mailing (Substituted Service) - Proof of Mailing (Substituted Service)
4/2/2019: Affidavit (name extension) - Affidavit of Reasonable Diligence
2/14/2019: Complaint - Complaint
2/14/2019: Notice of Case Assignment - Limited Civil Case - Notice of Case Assignment - Limited Civil Case
Hearing02/17/2022 at 10:30 AM in Department 25 at 312 North Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012; Order to Show Cause Re: Failure to File Proof of Service
Hearing06/29/2021 at 08:30 AM in Department 25 at 312 North Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012; Non-Jury Trial
Hearing04/14/2021 at 10:00 AM in Department 25 at 312 North Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012; Hearing on Motion for Order (name extension)
DocketHearing on Motion for Order to Compel Mecchanic's Lien Release and Monetary Sanctions scheduled for 04/14/2021 at 10:00 AM in Spring Street Courthouse at Department 25
DocketNotice of Motion; Filed by: KAREL G ROCHA (Cross-Complainant)
DocketDeclaration Declaration of Karel Rocha in Support of Motion to Expunge Mechanic's Lien; Filed by: KAREL G ROCHA (Cross-Complainant)
DocketProof of Service (not Summons and Complaint); Filed by: Infinity Data Networks, Inc. (Cross-Complainant); As to: Accredited Surety and Casualty Company, Inc., a corporation (Cross-Defendant); Brian Gotterer (Cross-Defendant); Brandon Joseph Bujold (Cross-Defendant)
DocketOrder Granting Attorney's Motion to Be Relieved as Counsel-Civil; Signed and Filed by: Infinity Data Networks, Inc. (Defendant); As to: KAREL G ROCHA (Attorney); John Michael Pagan (Attorney); Adam C Gonzales (Attorney) et al.
DocketMinute Order (Hearing on Motion to be Relieved as Counsel)
DocketHearing on Motion to be Relieved as Counsel scheduled for 12/09/2020 at 11:00 AM in Spring Street Courthouse at Department 25 updated: Result Date to 12/09/2020; Result Type to Held - Motion Granted
DocketProof of Mailing (Substituted Service); Filed by: Accredited Surety and Casualty Company, Inc., a corporation (Plaintiff); As to: Infinity Data Networks, Inc. (Defendant); Mailing Date: 03/07/2019; Service Cost: 65.00; Cost Waived: No
DocketProof of Mailing (Substituted Service); Filed by: Accredited Surety and Casualty Company, Inc., a corporation (Plaintiff); As to: Martin Ahlgrim (Defendant); Mailing Date: 03/07/2019; Service Cost: 55.00; Cost Waived: No
DocketNon-Jury Trial scheduled for 08/13/2020 at 08:30 AM in Stanley Mosk Courthouse at Department 94
DocketOrder to Show Cause Re: Failure to File Proof of Service scheduled for 02/17/2022 at 08:30 AM in Stanley Mosk Courthouse at Department 94
DocketCase assigned to Hon. James E. Blancarte in Department 94 Stanley Mosk Courthouse
DocketComplaint; Filed by: Accredited Surety and Casualty Company, Inc., a corporation (Plaintiff); As to: Infinity Data Networks, Inc. (Defendant); Martin Ahlgrim (Defendant); Brandon Joseph Bujold (Defendant) et al.
DocketSummons on Complaint; Issued and Filed by: Accredited Surety and Casualty Company, Inc., a corporation (Plaintiff); As to: Infinity Data Networks, Inc. (Defendant); Martin Ahlgrim (Defendant); Brandon Joseph Bujold (Defendant) et al.
DocketCivil Case Cover Sheet; Filed by: Accredited Surety and Casualty Company, Inc., a corporation (Plaintiff); As to: Infinity Data Networks, Inc. (Defendant); Martin Ahlgrim (Defendant); Brandon Joseph Bujold (Defendant) et al.
DocketNotice of Case Assignment - Limited Civil Case; Filed by: Clerk
DocketFirst Amended Standing Order; Filed by: Clerk
Case Number: 19STLC01556 Hearing Date: December 09, 2020 Dept: 25
HEARING DATE: Wed., December 9, 2020 JUDGE /DEPT: Blancarte/25
CASE NAME: Accredited Surety & Casualty Co. Inc. v. Infinity Data Networks, Inc., et al.
CASE NUMBER: 19STLC01556 COMPL. FILED: 02-14-19
NOTICE: OK DISC. C/O: 05-20-21
DISC. MOT. C/O: 06-14-21
TRIAL DATE: 06-29-21
PROCEEDINGS: MOTION TO BE RELIEVED AS COUNSEL
MOVING PARTY: Defendant/Cross-Complainant Infinity Data Networks Inc.’s Counsel Kevin R. Carlin
RESP. PARTY: None
MOTION TO BE RELIEVED AS COUNSEL
(CCP § 284(2); CRC rule 3.1362)
TENTATIVE RULING:
Defendant/Cross Complainant Infinity Data Networks, Inc.’s Counsel Kevin R. Carlin’s Motion to be Relieved as Counsel is GRANTED and the proposed order will be signed at the hearing. “After the order is signed, a copy of the signed order must be served on the client and on all parties that have appeared in the case.” (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.1362(e).) The Order on this Motion will not be effective “until proof of service of a copy of the signed order on [Defendant Infinity] has been filed with the court.” (Id.)
SERVICE:
[X] Proof of Service Timely Filed (CRC, rule 3.1300) OK
[X] Correct Address (CCP §§ 1013, 1013a) OK
[X] 16/21 Court Days Lapsed (CCP §§ 12c, 1005(b)) OK
OPPOSITION: None filed as of December 7, 2020 [ ] Late [X] None
REPLY: None filed as of December 7, 2020 [ ] Late [X] None
ANALYSIS:
Background & Discussion
On February 14, 2019, Plaintiff Accredited Surety and Casualty Company, Inc. (“Plaintiff”) filed this action for indemnity, reimbursement, and interpleader against Defendants Infinity Data Networks, Inc. dba Infinity General Contractors Group (“Infinity”), Martin Ahlgrim (“Ahlgrim”), Brandon Joseph Bujold, individually and dba TMK Construction (“Bujold”), and Brian Gotterer (“Gotterer”).
Following Defendant Infinity and Defendant Ahlgrim’s failure to file a responsive pleading, default was entered against them on May 31, 2019.
Plaintiff filed a motion to deposit and for discharge of stakeholder on June 12, 2019. That motion was granted on September 11, 2019 on the condition that within thirty (30) days, Plaintiff deposit surplus funds of $13,000.00 with the Court. (9/11/19 Minute Order.) Funds of $13,000.00 were deposited with the Court on October 8, 2019.
On November 6, 2019, the Court signed an order pursuant to the parties’ stipulation that the default against Infinity and Ahlgrim be set aside and that they file an answer within 20 days of the order. (11/6/20 Order.) On November 27, 2019, Defendants Infinity and Ahlgrim filed a joint general denial. Defendant Infinity filed a Cross-Complaint against Plaintiff, Defendant Bujold, and Defendant Gotterer on December 4, 2019. Defendant Gotterer also filed a Cross-Complaint against Infinity on January 2, 2020 for breach of contract and negligence.
On July 10, 2020, Defendant Infinity’s Counsel Kevin R. Carlin (“Counsel”) of the Carlin Law Group, APC filed the instant Motion to be Relieved as Counsel (the “Motion”). The Court scheduled the Motion for hearing for September 30, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. and ordered Counsel to give notice. (7/10/20 Minute Order.)
At the initial September 30, 2020 hearing, the Court found it was satisfied with Counsel’s reasons for seeking to be relieved. (9/30/20 Minute Order.) Although the Court was inclined to grant the Motion, it noted that Counsel did not give Defendant Infinity notice of the Court’s July 10th Order scheduling the hearing. (Id.) Thus, the matter was continued to November 17 at 10:00 a.m. and Counsel was ordered to give Defendant notice of the next hearing. (Id.) That same day, Counsel refiled the Motion with an updated hearing date with a proof of service demonstrating Defendant Infinity and all parties in this action were served with the Amended Motion. (9/30/20 Proof of Service.)
On November 12, 2020, the Court, on its own motion, continued the hearing to December 9, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. and ordered Counsel to give notice. (11/12/20 Minute Order.) On November 16, 2020, Counsel filed a proof of service demonstrating it gave Defendant Infinity and the other parties notice of the November 12th continuance. (11/16/20 Proof of Service.)
Defendant Infinity did not file an opposition.
As Counsel has now addressed the Court’s concerns regarding notice, the unopposed Motion is GRANTED.
Conclusion & Order
For the foregoing reasons, Defendant/Cross Complainant Infinity Data Networks, Inc.’s Counsel Kevin R. Carlin’s Motion to be Relieved as Counsel is GRANTED and the proposed order will be signed at the hearing. “After the order is signed, a copy of the signed order must be served on the client and on all parties that have appeared in the case.” (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.1362(e).) The Order on this Motion will not be effective “until proof of service of a copy of the signed order on [Defendant Infinity] has been filed with the court.” (Id.)
Defendant Infinity’s Counsel is ordered to give notice.
Case Number: 19STLC01556 Hearing Date: September 30, 2020 Dept: 25
HEARING DATE: Wed., September 30, 2020 JUDGE /DEPT: Blancarte/25
CASE NAME: Accredited Surety & Casualty Co. Inc. v. Infinity Data Networks, Inc., et al.
CASE NUMBER: 19STLC01556 COMPL. FILED: 02-14-19
NOTICE: NO (hearing) DISC. C/O: 09-26-20
DISC. MOT. C/O: 10-11-20
TRIAL DATE: 10-26-20
PROCEEDINGS: MOTION TO BE RELIEVED AS COUNSEL
MOVING PARTY: Defendant/Cross-Complainant Infinity Data Networks Inc.’s Counsel Kevin R. Carlin
RESP. PARTY: None
MOTION TO BE RELIEVED AS COUNSEL
(CCP § 284(2); CRC rule 3.1362)
TENTATIVE RULING:
Defendant/Cross Complainant Infinity Data Networks, Inc.’s Counsel Kevin R. Carlin’s Motion to be Relieved as Counsel is GRANTED ON THE CONDITION THAT, before the hearing, Counsel files a proof of service demonstrating he gave Defendant Infinity proper notice of the July 10th Order scheduling this hearing. If granted, the proposed order will be signed at the hearing. “After the order is signed, a copy of the signed order must be served on the client and on all parties that have appeared in the case.” (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.1362(e).) The Order on this Motion will not be effective “until proof of service of a copy of the signed order on [Defendant Infinity] has been filed with the court.” (Id.)
Otherwise, the Motion will be CONTINUED TO NOV 17, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. in Department 25 at the SPRING STREET COURTHOUSE. At least 16 court days before the next scheduled hearing, Counsel must file and serve supplemental papers addressing the deficiencies identified herein. Failure to do so may result in the Motion being placed off calendar or denied.
SERVICE:
[X] Proof of Service Timely Filed (CRC, rule 3.1300) OK
[X] Correct Address (CCP §§ 1013, 1013a) OK
[X] 16/21 Court Days Lapsed (CCP §§ 12c, 1005(b)) OK
OPPOSITION: None filed as of September 28, 2020 [ ] Late [X] None
REPLY: None filed as of September 28, 2020 [ ] Late [X] None
ANALYSIS:
Background
On February 14, 2019, Plaintiff Accredited Surety and Casualty Company, Inc. (“Plaintiff”) filed this action for indemnity, reimbursement, and interpleader against Defendants Infinity Data Networks, Inc. dba Infinity General Contractors Group (“Infinity”), Martin Ahlgrim (“Ahlgrim”), Brandon Joseph Bujold, individually and dba TMK Construction (“Bujold”), and Brian Gotterer (“Gotterer”).
Following Defendant Infinity and Defendant Ahlgrim’s failure to file a responsive pleading, default was entered against them on May 31, 2019.
Plaintiff filed a motion to deposit and for discharge of stakeholder on June 12, 2019. That motion was granted on September 11, 2019 on the condition that within thirty (30) days, Plaintiff deposit surplus funds of $13,000.00 with the Court. (9/11/19 Minute Order.) Funds of $13,000.00 were deposited with the Court on October 8, 2019.
On November 6, 2019, the Court signed an order pursuant to the parties’ stipulation that the default against Infinity and Ahlgrim be set aside and that they file an answer within 20 days of the order. (11/6/20 Order.) On November 27, 2019, Defendants Infinity and Ahlgrim filed a joint general denial. Defendant Infinity filed a Cross-Complaint against Plaintiff, Defendant Bujold, and Defendant Gotterer on December 4, 2019. Defendant Gotterer also filed a Cross-Complaint against Infinity on January 2, 2020 for breach of contract and negligence.
On July 10, 2020, Defendant Infinity’s Counsel Kevin R. Carlin (“Counsel”) of the Carlin Law Group, APC filed the instant Motion to be Relieved as Counsel (the “Motion”). The Court scheduled the Motion for hearing for September 30, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. and ordered Counsel to give notice. (7/10/20 Minute Order.)
To date, no opposition has been filed.
Legal Standard
The court may order that an attorney be changed or substituted at any time before or after judgment or final determination upon request by either client or attorney and after notice from one to the other. (Code Civ. Proc., § 284(2).) “The determination whether to grant or deny a motion to withdraw as counsel lies within the sound discretion of the trial court.” (Manfredi & Levine v. Superior Court (1998) 66 Cal.App.4th 1128, 1133.) An application to be relieved as counsel must be made on Judicial Counsel Forms MC-051 (Notice of Motion and Motion), MC-052 (Declaration), and MC-053 (Proposed Order). (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.1362(a), (c), (e).)
In addition, California Rules of Court, rule 3.1362 subsection (d) requires that the notice of motion and motion, declaration, and proposed order be served on the client and all other parties who have appeared in the case by personal service, electronic service, or mail. If the notice is served by mail, it must be accompanied by a declaration stating facts showing that either:
(A) The service address is the current residence or business address of the client; or
(B) The service address is the last known residence or business address of the client and the attorney has been unable to locate a more current address after making reasonable efforts to do so within 30 days before the filing of the motion to be relieved.
(Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.1362, subd. (1)(A) & (2).)
Discussion
Defendant Infinity’s Counsel seeks to be relieved because it has refused to consent to substitution, is not adequately or timely communicating with Counsel, and because there is a conflict of interest between the attorney and client (MC-052, ¶ 2.) Counsel also states that Defendant Infinity has not complied with its financial obligation to Counsel such that continued representation of Defendant Infinity will create severe economic hardship on Counsel. (Id.) Counsel further states that he attempted to resolve the issues noted herein with Defendant Infinity’s president, Alex Rodriguez, between May 26, 2020 and July 8, 2020 without success. (Id. at ¶ 7.) Counsel served Defendant Infinity with the Motion, supporting declaration, and proposed order by mail at Defendant’s current address, which was confirmed by telephone at most thirty (30) days before filing this Motion. (Id. at ¶ 3.)
The Court is satisfied with Counsel’s reasons for seeking to be relieved. Although the Court is inclined to grant the Motion, Counsel did not give Defendant Infinity notice of the Court’s July 10, 2020 Order scheduling this hearing as ordered. (7/10/20 Minute Order.) Indeed, Counsel’s proof of service filed on July 16, 2020, demonstrates Plaintiff, Defendant Gotterer, and Defendant Bujold were served with a notice of this hearing, but not Defendant Infinity.
However, in the interest of judicial economy, the Motion is GRANTED ON THE CONDITION THAT, before the hearing, Counsel files a proof of service demonstrating Defendant Infinity was given adequate notice of this hearing. Otherwise, the hearing will be CONTINUED.
Conclusion & Order
For the foregoing reasons, Defendant/Cross Complainant Infinity Data Networks, Inc.’s Counsel Kevin R. Carlin’s Motion to be Relieved as Counsel is GRANTED ON THE CONDITION THAT, before the hearing, Counsel files a proof of service demonstrating he gave Defendant Infinity proper notice of the July 10th Order scheduling this hearing. If granted, the proposed order will be signed at the hearing. “After the order is signed, a copy of the signed order must be served on the client and on all parties that have appeared in the case.” (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.1362(e).) The Order on this Motion will not be effective “until proof of service of a copy of the signed order on [Defendant Infinity] has been filed with the court.” (Id.)
Otherwise, the Motion will be CONTINUED TO NOV 17, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. in Department 25 at the SPRING STREET COURTHOUSE. At least 16 court days before the next scheduled hearing, Counsel must file and serve supplemental papers addressing the deficiencies identified herein. Failure to do so may result in the Motion being placed off calendar or denied.
Defendant Infinity’s Counsel is ordered to give notice.
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