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FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
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| Q: |
Can I get free
legal advice from the Office of the County Counsel? |
| A: |
Yes, through the
Small Claims Advisor for plaintiffs and defendants for small claims
actions in small claims court. The Office of the County Counsel also
assists the public in determining the proper office for information, or resolution of
issues. However, the Office of the County Counsel provides legal advice
only to the Board of
Supervisors, elected officials, and County of Kern employees for matters
related to the operation and management of the County. |
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| Q: |
I have suffered personal injury or property damage, which I
believe was caused by the County or one of its employees. How do I
go about collecting for my damages? |
| A: |
Collecting damages
from the County is made by filing a claim with the Clerk of the Board of
Supervisors, located at the County Administration Building, 5th Floor,
Bakersfield, California 93301, (661) 868-3585. Instructions
for filing a claim can be obtained from that office, as well.
The law regarding claims against public
entities is complex and has short deadlines. You may need to seek the
services of an attorney for your own protection. You should present
your claim without delay.
For additional information, please
reference Government Code Section 910. |
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| Q: |
The County is suing me for
money it says I owe. Who can I talk to about this? |
| A: |
For taxes owed, call
Chief Deputy County Counsel, Jerri Bradley at (661) 868-3819. For
all other questions, contact Chief Deputy County Counsel, Mark Nations at
(661) 868-3818. |
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| Q: |
I would like to view some
County records. Can I get them from the Office of the County
Counsel? |
| A: |
The Office of the County Counsel
is not the official custodian of any records of the County of Kern.
You should inquire directly at the office or location where you believe
the records are maintained, or contact the Clerk of the Board of
Supervisors at (661) 868-3585. |
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| Q: |
I would like a copy of the
County ordinance codes. Can I get them from the Office of the County
Counsel? |
| A: |
The County Ordinance
Codes can be obtained from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, located
at 1115 Truxtun Avenue, 5th Floor. Their phone number is (661)
868-3585. |
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| Q: |
Can I speak with Bernard C.
Barmann, Sr.? I believe he is the person who is working on my case. |
| A: |
Mr. Barmann is the County
Counsel and his name appears on all the documents filed by anyone in the
office. The person most familiar with your case is usually the one
who signed the document. That person's name appears beneath Mr.
Barmann's name at the top of the document, and beneath the signature
itself. If you believe you must speak with someone regarding your matter, that
is the person to whom you should speak with first. If you wish to
speak to Mr. Barmann, you may contact him at (661) 868-3850. |
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