10-30-25 update
I have been contacted by even more victims of Pete Briggs. And these victims and I are in communication with Tammy Miller in the Arizona attorney general’s office.
Below is a draft of my complaint and below that is a report on how to file a lawsuit
The following is a consolidation of many e-mails, texts, support conversations, etc. regarding the Shafer Meyers Manx rebuild and the Airizona AirCooled – Pete Briggs – situation. Supporting documents, including raw texts, photos, correspondence, etc. are included as an attachment.
Initially, Kurt Shafer approached Airizona Aircooled’s (AA) – Pete Briggs in late December 2023, about rebuilding his Meyers Manx (Volkswagen based) street buggy (Buggy) engine to help get the Buggy ready for sale on Bring a Trailer (BaT). To receive a cost quote to rebuild the engine, Kurt Shafer supplied to Pete Briggs a number of boxes of parts that contained a complete but disassembled and partially damaged, performance, Mexico stamped long block Volkswagen 4 cylinder engine, having a displacement of 2,180 cubic centimeters (cc), oversized heads and 92 millimeter (mm) pistons, custom 82mm stroke crank, custom ported and polished intake, and many other performance add-ons for the fueling (dual 44mm weber carbs), oiling system, exhaust, and bolt-on billet valve covers. The engine had very few hours on it, but suffered an oiling issue following a complete rebuild in 2020. Initially, Kurt and Pete discussed the engine rebuild specifics and cost. At the time, Kurt Shafer did not have any money to rebuild, and was looking to find a shop that was willing to do the work to rebuild the engine provided, with the parts provided (to the extent possible), and who was willing to wait for payment until the engine, which was to be installed in a street buggy being rebuilt at Kurt’s home, could be sold on the BaT auction Site, which Kurt had already engaged BaT about. The expectation on the part of Kurt Shafer was: 1) the existing good engine parts were useful and would provide the base of the engine rebuild; 2) that the only major new component would be the crank and associated bearings; and 3) that full payment for the engine rebuild to AA, including parts, labor, and any markup would be given to AA and Pete Briggs upon the sale of the Buggy on BaT or to a private party purchaser. Between December 2023 and February 2024, Kurt and Pete tried to connect via text and email to get the buggy chassis to AA so when the engine was rebuilt it could be mounted on the chassis at AA, but both were dealing with extreme personal-life and financial hardships at the time and communication was spotty.
In December 2024, and without payment from Kurt Shafer, AA and Pete Briggs rebuilt the original engine (According to AA and Pete Briggs e-mail November 4, 2024) with Kurt Shafer’s parts and with new parts purchased ($1,500 crank) and general engine rebuild components. AA and Pete Briggs did not provide an itemized list of parts, did not log the parts received from Kurt Shafer, and did not submit an invoice request for payment to Kurt Shafer, however text and e-mails suggest that the crank was replaced. In conversations via text, Kurt and AA and Pete Briggs concluded that mounting the engine onto the rolling chassis of the buggy ($500 cost) would help Kurt to move toward selling the buggy and getting the needed cash, and so it was completed by AA and Pete Briggs. This was completed in February 2024. On February 21, 2024 (e-mail Kurt Shafer to Family) Kurt Shafer indicated that in conversation with Pete Briggs, Pete was in need of cash and claimed he needed $2,000 to cover the engine rebuild and installation cost before releasing the buggy to Kurt to be sold on BaT. Kurt Shafer said that Pete Briggs and he had agreed to wait until the buggy sold to receive payment of $2,500. AA and Pete Briggs would not release the buggy to Kurt Shafer until they received monetary compensation for the engine rebuild. This was the beginning of AA and Pete Briggs very poor decision making, which led to the eventual devaluing of the buggy, loss of income to both parties, and theft of Kurt Shafer’s property and asset(s). AA and Pete Briggs, without formal contract, without itemized detail, and without securing funding from Kurt Shafer, rebuilt the engine then asked for payment, which Kurt had already confirmed was not possible. AA and Pete Briggs proceeded to hold the buggy at AA with the rebuilt engine.
At the same time, according to Pete Briggs e-mail dated November 4, 2024, in February 2024, AA and Pete Briggs were aware that no payment could be made by Kurt Shafer and proceeded to disassemble the newly rebuilt engine which contained a majority of Kurt Shafer’ parts and the new crank. Following disassembly and according to Pete Briggs, AA and Pete Briggs sold Kurt Shafer’s ‘long-block” engine (entire engine case, crank, cylinders, heads, pistons, valves, valve covers, oil pump) to an undisclosed third party (for an undisclosed sum of money), minus the carburators and intake manifolds. AA and Pete Briggs effectively and illegally, assumed ownership possession of Kurt Shafer’s property and sold the engine belonging to Kurt Shafer without notice, without consult, without negotiation and without compensating Kurt Shafer in any fashion. This was theft for monetary gain on the part of AA and Pete Briggs. AA and Pete Briggs proceeded to stall out discussion and lie to Kurt Shafer, saying that AA had disassembled the newly built engine, that all the original parts were still at AA and that AA sold the new parts in a different engine to another person. At the time and as a result of phone discussions with Pete Briggs where Kurt Shafer was lied to, Kurt Shafer was under the impression that the complete original engine, in the form of parts (minus the crank and bearings) once again, was still at AA.
On March 8, 2024, Kurt and Darlene decided to visit the AA shop to confront Pete Briggs and gain possession of the buggy as the time to make the repairs was taking too long and the engine had been disassembled again, so they were looking to re-establish possession of what they owned and move forward elsewhere with getting the buggy rebuilt to sell on BaT. However, upon face to face discussion at AA, Pete Briggs suddenly had a change of heart (or so the Shafer’s thought). Pete stated he had changed his mind and was willing to work out a situation to assist with getting the buggy rebuilt to a saleable condition to anyone, whether it be BaT or a private party. Pete stated he understood and was experienced in what it takes to get a vehicle prepared to go to auction at BaT and suggested the Shafer’s buggy needed a lot of attention to get it sold on BaT at a healthy price. Pete Briggs told the Shafer’s that if they could come up with some cash to start the process of a makeover, including new paint, repair of existing interior and exterior parts and re-building of the engine, AA and Pete Briggs could deliver a highly functioning, Auctionable asset that would fetch a respectable amount of money on BaT or elsewhere. Pete Briggs stated these things to Kurt and Darlene Shafer while they were present at the AA business location, speaking face to face, and in the company of their son, Ryan Shafer who was present remotely via speaker-phone call with Darlene during the discussion. At the time, Darlene and Ryan believed this was a once in a lifetime opportunity for Kurt Shafer to get the buggy ready for auction at BaT, and advised Kurt to accept AA and Pete Briggs’ offer. Darlene Shafer committed to fronting $2,000 at the request of Pete Briggs to do all of this rebuilding and await any further compensation until the buggy was sold. At the time, Kurt, Darlene, and Ryan (through Darlene) specified expectations as “owners” such as wanting to be party to any major modifications, the use of original equipment to the extent possible and that the buggy be released in ready to drive, reliable, and complete condition upon completion so it could be moved directly with confidence to BaT for immediate sale. Darlene Shafer asked about a “contract” or “formal estimate” of the work AA and Pete Briggs were planning, but Pete Briggs stated, “my word and handshake is as good as any contract” and the Shafer’s shook on it, with the agreement to pay for the engine rebuild and to pay for the rest of the buggy renovation following the sale of the car. Darlene proceeded to deposit $2,000 via credit transaction to AA and Pete Briggs (Transaction Record). It is worth noting that at this time, unbeknownst to the Shafer’s, Pete Briggs had sold the most important and valuable part of Kurt Shafer’s buggy, back in February, to someone else. The Shafer’s (Kurt, Darlene, and Ryan) were unaware of this and were under the impression that the original engine parts (as described in the first paragraph) were still available for rebuilding the engine back into a 2,180cc performance motor. As such, Kurt Shafer continued to prepare for the buggy auction at BaT by providing details of performance, engine specifications, etc.
The potential value of the buggy with the original performance engine and freshened paint, interior and other appurtenances, while debatable depending on who was valuing it, ranged between $10,000 to well above $20,000 for the complete car. The engine alone, if it had been rebuilt just from the boxes of parts and a new crank/bearing assembly, was valued at $6,000. A similar engine can be found here https://jcsvwparts.com/type-1-2180-turnkey-complete/ . The potential return on investment for rebuilding the buggy to top condition exceeded 3x the investment, depending upon quality of rebuild, leaving plenty of profit to pay for any repair and markup.
Over the months of April, May, June – Communication was difficult and the buggy was not worked on by AA and Pete Briggs. Darlene Shafer had Pete Briggs sign a completion date agreement dated May 9, 2024. A follow-up agreement was signed by Pete Briggs on June 14, 2024.
On July 13, 2024, AA and Pete Briggs transported the buggy to Seligman, AZ for paint.
On July 16, 2024 AA and Pete Briggs provided a video of an engine running and said it was Kurt’s engine. The rest of the buggy restoration was delayed and piecemealed together between July 16 and August 16.
On August 6, 2024, Darlene Shafer paid an additional $1,000 to AA via credit card.
On August 16, 2024 AA and Pete Briggs were still fine tuning the engine “carbs”.
On August 19, 2024, a running buggy with new exterior yellow paint, interior black paint, a running engine, some basic wiring, and applied badging was picked up by Kurt Shafer and driven 2-miles home.
The buggy was not thoroughly scrutinized after pickup, until August 24 and 26, 2024. Initially, Kurt and Darlene Shafer identified the following:
The engine valve covers were the cheap, spring type and painted black, not the original bolt on Billet aluminum finned covers provided to AA and Pete Briggs. And the valve covers were leaking oil.
The steering wheel bolts were not original and were too short, causing the steering wheel to wobble and the bolts to fall out during driving.
There were several areas of paint issues
Between August 26, 2024 and texts between Kurt / Darlene Shafer and AA and Pete Briggs attempt to iron out the absence of the valve covers, obtaining touch-up paint, and locating the original exhaust (Tri-Mil Stinger, Thunderbird Muffler).
On August 30, 2024, Pete Briggs says they have the valve covers and the exhaust, but that he needs payment of $1,500 to pay rent at his shop. Darlene requests an invoice of services and parts as she has already paid $3,000 total and needs to know what has not already been covered in terms of the engine rebuild before paying anything more.
Pete Briggs responded that the cost of the engine rebuild was now $4,500 and that he needed payment now of the remaining $1,500. However, AA and Pete Briggs could not and did not produce an itemized parts / labor invoice and therefore did not receive additional payment from Darlene Shafer.
No communication until September 10&11, 2024. Kurt Shafer requested confirmation of the size of the engine in the buggy. There is mounting concern that the engine is NOT the original engine with a new crank and is instead a cobbled together replacement. In a phone conversation between Kurt Shafer and Pete Briggs on September 11, 2024, Pete Briggs says the engine delivered is a 1,915cc engine with stroker crank, that should perform as well as the 2,180cc engine. THIS WAS THE FIRST ADMISSION BY PETE BRIGGS THAT HE DID NOT REBUILD THE EXISTING ENGINE AND THAT THE ENGINE WAS NOT A DIRECT REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF THE ORIGINAL ENGINE.
Between October 14 and 15, 2024, Ryan Shafer had the chance to inspect the delivered Engine/Buggy and noticed the following:
Engine Case stamp (VW) and number is not the same as stamp (Mexico) and number on the original engine block provided to AA and Pete Briggs by Kurt Shafer. Photos of each prove this.
The current engine is missing the high flow oil pump and filter assembly that was on the original engine.
The current engine Heads are shiny and new, but inferior to those that were on the original engine and not sized the same as those provided to AA and Pete Briggs by Kurt Shafer.
The exhaust bolts were loose (Ryan tightened)
The oil filler tube and cap is an inferior make and design to the billet alluminum tube and cap on the original engine
The spring clip, black painted, valve covers are inferior material and design to the polished aluminum, heat ribbed, bolt on covers on the original engine. (Valve covers still haven’t been received from AA and Pete Briggs)
The fuel supply line was mounted in such a way that the hose had a 90 degree bend and kinked closed.
The gas tank was not tightened on its mounts to the body
The drivers seat, track, frame bolts were loose.
The fiberglass body was not bolted to the frame rails properly with only 3 bolts on the passenger side and 2 bolts on the drivers side.
The gear shifter appeared misaligned or bound and does not operate smoothly.
The dual 44 weber carbs are down-tuned to the motor and allow the buggy to idle, but the throttle response is poor and the buggy does not accelerate crisply, suggesting the fuel/air mixture is incorrect for the engine. The only causes for this are that 1) the carbs were improperly adjusted; 2) the carbs are properly adjusted but the engine is malfunctioning; 3) the engine is smaller than the original engine and the carbs are overfueling the inferior and smaller engine, causing poor performance. Ryan’s opinion and based on the evidence from August 16, 2024, where AA and Pete Briggs were still adjusting the carbs and had to order new jets from Phoenix, is that #3 fits this scenario.
It was apparent to Ryan Shafer that the engine delivered is not the engine that was given to Pete to rebuild, that the original 2,180cc race engine was nowhere to be found, that the current engine was likely a 1600cc engine that AA and Pete Briggs (according to him) put a 1915cc stroker crank in, put some new heads on, and in its current build, could never be rebuilt to match the engine that was originally in the buggy. This new engine was missing ( Ported and polished heads, block modification for crank clearance, matched and 2,180cc balanced crank, rods, 92mm pistons, oil cooling and filtration system, cooling fin bolt-on valve covers, and proper displacement tuned carbs).
October 16, 2024 Kurt Shafer e-mailed/called Ryan Shafer to say that he had unbolted one head to measure the piston size. The pistons in the engine delivered to the Shafers are 85.5mm diameter. Also, a head bolt had apparently been glued into the block and came out when removing the head to inspect.
Ryan Shafer provides the following further evidence of a “lie” by Pete Briggs to Kurt Shafer regarding the Engine delivered. The following VW Engine builders guide of Piston diameter (mm) vs. Crank stroke (mm) = engine displacement (cc) shows the following:
A 2,180cc displacement is achieved with a 92mm diameter piston bore and 82mm crank stroke. Neither of which were characteristics of the engine delivered to Kurt Shafer, and thus proof that AA and Pete Briggs had not repaired and returned Kurt Shafers property (Engine) to him.
A 1,915cc displacement is achieved with a 94mm diameter piston bore and 69mm crank stroke. If the engine truly contained a 69mm crank, which is what would be present in a 1,915 stroker engine, then the engine block and heads delivered to Kurt Shafer should have a 94mm diameter piston bore.
Kurt Shafer measured 85.5mm piston bore when he removed the head on the delivered engine to inspect it. If we assume Pete Briggs told the truth about the crank size being 69mm (a 1,915cc stroker crank), then the only engine size that these two measurements, 85.5mm diameter piston bore and 69mm crank stroke = 1,585cc engine displacement. Making the engine delivered to Kurt Shafer a “stock” 1,600cc type engine with no performance enhancements or modifications. This is a very short stroke engine with a very small piston, which does not require as much air and fuel to operate and is WAY too small for the dual 44mm weber carb setup that AA and Pete Briggs put on the engine delivered to Kurt Shafer. The big fuel system for the small engine explains why AA and Pete Briggs had such a hard time tuning this engine and had to order special jets for the carbs, and explains why the engine fell out of tune very quickly after only a handful of miles driven.
TheSamba.com :: Performance/Engines/Transmissions – View topic – Common Engine Sizes
The following is an itemized engine rebuild list for the original 2,180cc performance engine that Kurt handed over to AA and Pete Briggs to rebuild. As you can see, the engine was identified as a long-block, 2,180cc and having 92mm pistons (rings). The cost to rebuild was $2,453
In summary:
Kurt Shafer owned outright a 2,180cc VW Engine having significant customization, modifications, and specialty parts and valued around $6,000 when running.
Kurt Shafer delivered the 2,180cc engine to AA and Pete Briggs to perform a professional rebuild (Other shops have done a rebuild on this engine for a cost of $2,500, assuming all major components were re-usable)
AA and Pete Briggs rebuilt the engine which needed a new 82mm stroke crank assembly , a major component (apparently $1,500)
AA and Pete Briggs stripped down the newly rebuilt 2,180cc engine and sold the newly repaired long-block engine containing the crank assembly and the ported and polished heads, and likely the oil pump and other performance parts for an undisclosed amount. AA and Pete Briggs did this without telling Kurt Shafer the engine was being sold, without consulting Kurt Shafer, and without the consent of Kurt Shafer. Basically, AA and Pete Briggs stole the engine, assuming possession for personal monetary gain at the expense of Kurt Shafer.
AA and Pete Briggs lied to Kurt Shafer and said that they still had the engine, but that it was disassembled again.
AA and Pete Briggs convinced Kurt Shafer to allow them to rebuild the engine again and offered to assist with the rebuild of the entire buggy, not just the engine in exchange for a payment and a portion of profits from the sale of the entire buggy, including the engine on BaT.
AA and Pete Briggs requested $3,000 and was paid $3,000 by Credit Card.
AA and Pete Briggs cobbled together an engine with old and new parts, almost none of it being any of the original parts Kurt Shafer had handed to AA and Pete Briggs to rebuild with and told Kurt Shafer it was his performance engine.
AA and Pete Briggs quickly painted, roughly wired, and loosely assembled the buggy with the “new” engine and told Kurt Shafer it was ready for delivery. The delivered car was not road worthy and dangerous, but Kurt Shafer was not aware of this and drove it home.
Kurt Shafer picked up his buggy, only to learn that the most valuable part of it, the engine, was gone and replaced with an undefined surrogate, containing only the original carbureators (modified to be down-tuned).
Kurt Shafer requested information regarding the buggy engine and requested AA and Pete Briggs return the remaining unused exhaust parts, and any other parts (valve covers?) that were not installed on the new engine, but that Kurt Shafer owned and had provided to AA and Pete Briggs for the rebuild.
AA and Pete Briggs requested an additional $1,500 which the Shafer’s told Pete, they were willing to consider with proof, documentation, itemization of the work/costs to complete the buggy for delivery.
AA and Pete Briggs admitted they sold Kurt’s original engine without asking him if they could do so.
AA and Pete Briggs lied and said they installed a performance engine in the buggy in its’ (the original engines) place.
Kurt Shafer and Ryan Shafer determined that the engine provided is less than a 1,600cc engine based on the information provided by AA and Pete Briggs.
Ryan Shafer discovered dangerously loose and incomplete components requiring attention on the buggy that was supposedly ready for delivery when given back to Kurt Shafer.
Kurt Shafer and AA and Pete Briggs continued back and forth communication regarding accusations of Fraud and theft and threatening legal action. To this date, AA and Pete Briggs justify their actions with an explanation that they needed the money and that Kurt Shafer did not pay. However, Kurt Shafer (Darlene) paid $3,000, asked for some documentation to justify more payment (which was never received) and now cannot sell their buggy on BaT for a profit (which AA and Pete Briggs were to be a recipient of) because it no longer fits the valuable performance profile, the engine, body, and chassis work is not of the caliber to set the buggy apart from other cheap buggies and the needed repairs, upgrades, to return it to what it was, will cost more than it is worth under the current build.
From a financial perspective:
AA and Pete Briggs received $3,000 for building a small 1,600cc engine, and unrefined repairs, cosmetic upgrades to the buggy, plus an undisclosed amount of cash for Kurt Shafers original engine ($estimate – $4,000) for a total of $7,000
Kurt Shafer paid $3,000, lost an engine worth $6,000 in running condition, and received maybe $1,000 in unrefined repairs for a total expenditure of $8000 loss. Kurt Shafer lost a potential sale of the buggy for $9,000 and lost the opportunity to sell the buggy for much more on BaT had it been repaired and tastefully rebuilt and upgraded as advertised by AA and Pete Briggs, using the original engine.
Financially, AA and Pete Briggs disastrous business practices, continued lies, deceit, and mental as well as physical strain on a Senior couple paired with the destruction of their valuable possession, puts Kurt and Darlene in a worse spot than they were in when Kurt approached Pete Briggs in December 2023.
If given the chance, Kurt Shafer would sue AA and Pete Briggs to recoup the value of Kurt Shafers original 2,180cc engine and for mental anguish related to the actual theft of property in addition to having to navigate the tricks and mind games of AA and Pete Briggs lies and cover ups. Additionally, Kurt Shafer would sue to recoup lost revenue of the sale of the buggy and its potential interest accrued over the year of 2024 to the present when it could have been invested.
7-28-25 Update – Here are the actions needed to file a lawsuit
I asked the internet “I NEED TO FILE A LAWSUIT FOR CRIMINAL FRAUD AGAINST A CAR REPAIR COMPANY IN CHINO VALLEY ARIZONA. WHAT COURT SHOULD I USE AND WHAT IS THE COST TO FILE?”
Here is the reply
It’s important to understand that I am an AI and cannot provide legal advice. The information below is for general knowledge only, and you should consult with a qualified attorney in Arizona for advice specific to your situation.
When you mention “criminal fraud,” it’s important to distinguish between criminal charges and a civil lawsuit.
- Criminal fraud is a crime prosecuted by the state (e.g., the District Attorney or Attorney General’s office). Individuals report criminal fraud to law enforcement.
- Civil fraud (or a civil dispute for damages) is a lawsuit filed by an individual or entity to recover money or other compensation for harm suffered.
For a dispute against a car repair company, you would typically be looking to file a civil lawsuit to recover your losses.
Here’s information regarding the courts and potential costs for a civil case in Arizona:
1. What Court Should You Use for a Civil Lawsuit?
In Arizona, for a dispute involving a car repair company, you would likely consider:
- Justice Court (Small Claims or Civil Division): This is often the appropriate court for disputes involving smaller monetary amounts. In Arizona, Justice Courts handle civil cases where the amount in controversy is $10,000 or less. This is a common venue for consumer disputes like car repair issues. Chino Valley is in Yavapai County, so you would look for the specific Justice Court that serves Chino Valley (likely a Yavapai County Justice Court precinct).
- Superior Court: If your damages exceed the Justice Court limit (i.e., over $10,000) or if the case is more complex, you would file in the Superior Court of Yavapai County.
2. How to Report Potential Criminal Fraud:
If you believe the company committed criminal fraud, you should report it to:
- Local Law Enforcement: The Chino Valley Police Department or Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office.
- Arizona Attorney General’s Office: They investigate consumer fraud and criminal matters.
3. What is the Cost to File a Civil Lawsuit?
The cost to file a civil lawsuit primarily involves filing fees, which vary by court and the amount of your claim.
I will search for the current filing fees for Justice Courts in Arizona. You’re looking to navigate the legal system in Arizona, and it’s good that you’re thinking about the correct court and costs. As an AI, I cannot provide legal advice, but I can give you general information based on Arizona law and court procedures. For specific guidance on your case, you should consult with an attorney.
Here’s a breakdown of the courts and costs for a civil lawsuit in Chino Valley, Arizona:
1. Understanding Criminal vs. Civil Fraud
First, it’s important to clarify the distinction:
- Criminal Fraud: This involves a crime against the state. If you believe the car repair company committed criminal fraud (e.g., intentionally deceptive practices that violate criminal statutes), you would report this to law enforcement. You would not “file a lawsuit” for criminal fraud yourself; rather, the state (through the local police/sheriff or the Arizona Attorney General’s Office) would investigate and potentially prosecute the company.
- Civil Fraud/Dispute: This is a private lawsuit you file to recover financial damages you suffered due to the company’s actions (e.g., breach of contract, consumer fraud, negligence). This is the type of case where you would be the “plaintiff” and seek compensation.
Given your situation, you are likely looking to pursue a civil lawsuit to recover your money.
2. Which Court to Use in Chino Valley, Arizona?
Chino Valley is located in Yavapai County, Arizona. The appropriate court for your civil lawsuit would depend on the amount of money you are seeking:
- Yavapai County Justice Court:
- Jurisdiction: This is the most common court for consumer disputes and smaller claims. Arizona Justice Courts handle civil cases where the amount of damages you are seeking is $10,000 or less.
- Location: You would file in the specific Justice Court precinct that serves Chino Valley. Yavapai County has several Justice Courts (e.g., Prescott Justice/City Court, Verde Valley Justice Court, etc.). You would need to identify the correct precinct for the company’s location.
- Process: Justice Courts are generally designed to be more accessible for individuals without legal representation, though legal advice is always recommended.
- Yavapai County Superior Court:
- Jurisdiction: If the amount of damages you are seeking exceeds $10,000, or if your case involves more complex legal issues (e.g., seeking specific performance, injunctive relief, or cases that don’t fit Justice Court rules), you would file in the Yavapai County Superior Court.
3. Cost to File a Civil Lawsuit (Filing Fees)
The primary cost to initiate a civil lawsuit is the filing fee, which varies by court and the type of complaint. These fees are set by the Arizona Supreme Court and can be subject to change.
Based on recent fee schedules for Arizona Justice Courts (effective December 28, 2024, in some counties, or similar amounts in others):
- For a “Small Claims Complaint” (typically for claims up to $3,500 within Justice Court):
- Filing Fee: Approximately $30.00 – $58.00 (depending on the specific county’s Justice Court and whether it’s a “small claims” or “regular civil” complaint within the Justice Court’s jurisdiction). Yavapai County lists a Small Claims Complaint fee of $30.00.
- For a “Civil Complaint” (for claims up to $10,000 in Justice Court):
- Filing Fee: Approximately $86.00 – $114.00. Yavapai County lists a Civil Complaint fee of $86.00.
- For a “Complaint or Petition” in Superior Court (for claims over $10,000):
- Filing Fee: Approximately $337.00 – $367.00. Yavapai County Superior Court lists a Complaint fee of $252.00 (this can vary slightly by county within Superior Court).
Additional Potential Costs:
Beyond the initial filing fee, you should anticipate other costs, which can include:
- Service of Process Fees: You will need to formally notify the car repair company that you have filed a lawsuit. This is called “service of process.” You’ll pay a fee to a process server or the Sheriff’s Office to deliver the summons and complaint. This can range from $50 to $150 or more per defendant. Yavapai County Constable’s Office charges a minimum deposit of $125.00 for service of civil process.
- Copying Fees: If you need copies of court documents, there are usually per-page fees (e.g., $0.50 per page).
- Discovery Costs: If the case proceeds, you might incur costs for depositions, subpoenas for records, etc.
- Attorney Fees: If you hire an attorney, their fees will be a significant cost. Many attorneys offer initial consultations, which can be free or for a reduced fee.
Important Recommendation:
Given the complexities of legal action, especially involving fraud claims, it is highly recommended that you:
- Consult with an Arizona attorney specializing in consumer law or civil litigation. They can:
- Evaluate the specifics of your case to determine if you have a strong claim for civil fraud.
- Advise you on the most appropriate court and strategy.
- Help you understand all potential costs and the likelihood of recovery.
- Assist with drafting and filing the necessary legal documents.
- If you suspect criminal activity, contact the Chino Valley Police Department or the Arizona Attorney General’s Office to report the alleged criminal fraud.
You can find contact information for Yavapai County Justice Courts and the Superior Court on the Yavapai County government website or the Arizona Judicial Branch website.