Opinion ID: 883615
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: facts

Text: The following rendition of facts is taken from the findings of fact entered by the Small Claims Court. In May of 1994, Spence was involved in an auto accident. She had Ortloff tow her vehicle to his shop. Ortloff began repairs to Spence's car but, according to the findings entered by the Small Claims Court, Spence had not given Ortloff authorization to begin repairs. Ortloff disputes this point. Spence had to pay Ortloff $1,108.40 before he would release her car. Ortloff included $120 for storage costs in that bill. Spence brought suit against Ortloff in small claims court. The Small Claims Court held a hearing on the matter on July 8, 1994. On July 13, 1994, the Small Claims Court entered its findings of fact, conclusions of law and a judgment in favor of Spence and against Ortloff for $1,024.40. Ortloff appealed the Small Claims Court's decision to district court. The District Court attempted to review the record from the Small Claims Court. However, the audio tape that was supposed to contain the record of the hearing in the Small Claims Court was blank. In spite of the lack of any record of the hearing before the Small Claims Court, the District Court affirmed the Small Claims Court's judgment based on its review of the findings of fact and conclusions of law. Ortloff appeals.