Steve! The Christmas Lawyer here. I just discovered you did this update on the story. I am SO GRATEFUL that you cared this much to clarify some fine points in the story. I should point out that the only reason I called you was that your original video about my story was constructed in such a way that it was abundantly clear that you were actually seeking truth. I always appreciate any person who is more interested in explaining a situation, rather than making a lot of assumptions that lean toward a personal bias. I appreciate your KZitem channel and I'm glad I came across it! ~ The Christmas Lawyer
@guylee0
6 ай бұрын
The Christmas Lawyer I'm a fan now...just too cool 😎
@tarrelhicks630
5 ай бұрын
I'm Happy it was a "Real Camel"!!!! I'm sure they would had given you this Great no matter what display you'd of up up. God Bless You 💜
@jake1776
5 ай бұрын
@@tarrelhicks630 thank you! Yep- real camel
@mikew6765
8 ай бұрын
The 10 hours fact is a pretty important issue to leave out of the story. That makes a huge difference in my mind. Like Steve said, who would want to live next to something like this if it's up 24/7 for a few weeks.
@Haywa11
8 ай бұрын
Yeah I agree, this is the most reasonable human I've heard of in recent times.
@tomnisen3358
7 ай бұрын
I would
@JuanDaringMann
8 ай бұрын
This world needs more attorneys dedicated to fighting HOA shenanigans.
@jake1776
8 ай бұрын
Thank you! As Steve said, I never expected that I would be in a position to help others with their HOA problems, but now that I have a certain degree of knowledge about how HOAs push people around, combined with my reputation which can be a bit intimidating to opposing counsel b/c they know how much I care on a personal level for my clients targeted with harassment by an HOA, I guess this is something I am going to be doing now. Unless the Idaho State Bar is successful in ruining me.
@no1ghostrider
8 ай бұрын
Man I wish I knew you back when I was living in my house in Plainfield, my HOA was getting way out of hand. They actually gave me warning about not picking up after my dog. The only problem was my dog was pooping in MY yard. So who cares!! Also they spent way too much time counting how many shrubs bushes and trees you had
@Macdunne
8 ай бұрын
The update does change my opinion on who is in the right; and great knowing that indeed it was a real camel.
@musicloverme3993
8 ай бұрын
The camel's name is Joe!🙂
@andrewvelonis5940
8 ай бұрын
Now I'm thinking "How would camel manure help my garden?"
@jake1776
8 ай бұрын
for every carrot that was fed to the camel by children, money was raised for children with cancer. Pretty big win for the camel and an even bigger win for kids in hospitals.
@elrobo3568
8 ай бұрын
I was a federal court security guard for 10 years and saw a few judges negate a jury finding but it was very rare. The basic premise of our legal system is the RIGHT to be judged by our peers not some judge that thinks he is the one man jury. The HOA members should sue the HOA board for wasting all the money and harassing a home owner.
@KameraShy
8 ай бұрын
Raises the legal question for me: 1) Is the an automatic re-trial or does it have to go up on appeal? The rules are different.
@AbNomal621
8 ай бұрын
Most HOA documents contain a clause to indemnify that Board. If so, then you must prove that no “reasonable” person would have made the same decision. Better to work to oust them. Most also allow for proxies and few people bother to vote. In a neighborhood of 300 houses I collected nearly 1/3 of the votes in two weekend afternoons.
@jake1776
8 ай бұрын
BINGO. The lady who lived next door who testified on my behalf moved precisely because they went after me. The HOA called her and tried to recruit her. She testified, "is it that he's doing anything wrong or you just don't want him here." And the President of the HOA said, "we just don't want him here." Ultimately, she told me that she couldn't live there any longer because they were wasting her money going after me. I think she lives in AZ now.
@jake1776
8 ай бұрын
Yes... there was such a clause. I sued the HOA as an entity... not the individuals themselves.@@AbNomal621
@daleburridge5026
8 ай бұрын
For many years we had a couple who put up a huge Christmas display every year and sat on their second floor balcony dressed as santa and Mrs, Claus. it was an upscale neighborhood on the water in St. Petersburg, Florida. I never heard of a single complaint. Eventually they sold the home and moved on. I still have fond thought of them ay=t this time of year 🙂
@phillaroe6107
8 ай бұрын
lol
@RonSafreed
8 ай бұрын
My aunt, (mother's sister), her 2nd husband lived in Arcadia FL. & every year they would decorate their trailer with thousands of lights & figurines & his display would get photographed & put in the local paper & so many would come to see his work!! At first these atheists/communists attacked the "nativity scenes" & "hanuka menorahs" but now it seems that the santa clause aspect is now under attack & I felt the attacks would eventually do that & sure enough it has happened!! So-so sad!!
@KameraShy
8 ай бұрын
The only way Old People leave Florida is foot first. Sadly.
@frotoe9289
8 ай бұрын
There are a couple neighborhoods in my city which pride themselves on their Christmas displays. EVERY house decorates and they even open the gates of the gated community to let people in. I wouldn't be surprised if the HOA covenants include "must create $10,000+ Christmas display to be up from Dec 1 to Dec 31." And the cars come by the thousands. But at this stage, if you buy a house there you have to know that's what your fate will be.
@Pepperboy555
8 ай бұрын
Best Friday Vault ever! So cool you got to talk to the person of a previous episode subject. Please keep us updated on the movement of the judicial glacier appeal.
@jake1776
8 ай бұрын
I will be sure to remember Steve and give him any updates on my case.
@joehackney1376
8 ай бұрын
This HOA seems to have done more harm to HOA's reputations than any other story I've ever heard.
@Jirodyne
8 ай бұрын
Of course, cause if you listened, the guy had a Lawyer look over the HOA rules. There is NOTHING in the rules banning him from doing this. And they could not point to any specific rule he was breaking. Right then and there, the HOA is in the wrong, at fault, and the Judge in the lawsuit LEGALLY could not side with them, as the HOA was breaking the law, harassing someone who wasn't breaking any laws or HOA rules. He legally HAD to sue them, which he did, as is the law. How could the Judge side with the HOA, AGAINST a Jury as well? It's insane.
@gcanada3005
8 ай бұрын
Wait you’re saying, More harm can be done to HOA’s reputation than has already been done? Impossible sir. Anyone who’s been paying attention needs to avoid living in a HOA like the plague. Well not that plague, a real plague
@KameraShy
8 ай бұрын
You haven't heard the really bad HOA stories.
@scotcoon1186
8 ай бұрын
That's 90% of HOAs, isn't it?
@jake1776
8 ай бұрын
Yeah. I would agree. That's how I got a call from London of all places asking if I would appear in a documentary. These people were exposed. And keep in mind, the lawsuit wasn't about traffic. It's that they wrote me a certified letter about how "non-Christians" or "avowed atheists" would be offended by the display. So ultimately, the traffic thing was just a cover for their screw up when they violated the federal fair housing act.
@Telcomvic
8 ай бұрын
When we lived at our old house, the people across the street and down a few houses would do awesome decorations for Easter, Halloween, and Christmas. On Halloween, they would sit outside in costume and hand out candy. The display lights would go on at dusk and off at midnight for at least 2 weeks. I always looked forward to see what new stuff would be added to the display. ETA: No, we didn't live in an HOA and don't now either.
@user-tj8wv7ri7d
8 ай бұрын
On the whole, sad, especially if this is in Idaho. Yet it is an HOA issue and they (HOA's) are like mold and mildew, under every rock and crevasse. I live in a gated community, south of Jacksonville, FL. That HOA does go out of its way to ask residents to put up Christmas displays, holds a contest, AND, opens the gates to let the public in during evening hours to view the many beautiful displays. Me?, I'm a Grinch, but I applaud the HOA (for once) that does this nice thing. Happy New Year Steve and to All your family!
@mykeride
8 ай бұрын
@@Knorthcast What are you talking about? Everything about this story took place in Northern Idaho (Kootenai County). The HoA was in Northern Idaho. The judge was appointed by Bill Clinton to be the US District Judge for the District of Idaho, and the Christmas Lawyer lived in Northern Idaho at the time.
@jake1776
8 ай бұрын
You are correct. It is Idaho, but I think this comment was more about HOAs in general. Perhaps he/she was just saying this is sad, especially in Idaho. Because you wouldn't assume something like this could happen in Idaho. You are right-- the judge was a Clinton appointee. an associate of Former Left Wing Senator Frank Church, I believe.@@mykeride
@mykeride
8 ай бұрын
@@jake1776 My post was NOT a reply to user-tj8wv7ri7d's. Someone else (Knorthcast) had replied to theirs blasting them saying something like "This shows that you are an idiot, this happened in California, not in Idaho. The Idaho bar is just who is going after him". That post has since been removed, which makes my post make no sense.
@bosiesmom
8 ай бұрын
I love this update! ❤ Thanks for doing it. I actually draw a small tear thinking about the hell he went through and still going through but he was able to help others. I wonder if this has to do with my own memories of drama with HOAs.
@jake1776
8 ай бұрын
WOW!!! Just wow. I'm shaking as I read this message. Thank you SO MUCH @boisesmom. I agree with Steve that it was hard for me to be dispassionate in my own case when it seems like the gates of hell lined up against me in this situation. It ruined my life. And there is no dispute that the entire purpose was to raise money for children with cancer. Somehow, I was portrayed by many as the bad guy. Here's the truth... for awhile, it hurt reading those things by people who had their own agendas. But what matters to me most is that my wife recently told me, "even if you are disbarred, it was worth it. And it's okay. Because what you did was good." What is the last thought a person has before they leave this life? In my case, I will have many regrets ... but the Christmas Show is not one of them. I'm proud of what I did. I would suggest you look up the Fox News article about "The Christmas Lawyer" and watch the 9 minute clip. It pretty much explains the situation.
@jasonwomack4064
8 ай бұрын
A dude sets up a giant Christmas display, doesn't advertise the exact location, and runs shuttles to see it. He shouldn't be sued, he should be given a parade for bending over backward to NOT cause a neighborhood traffic nightmare.
@coffeecoder8162
8 ай бұрын
The fact that he set up a shuttle tells you enough. He knew the crowd it would draw.
@jake1776
8 ай бұрын
I also went to the city counsel to get a vote on "using the public park for parking from 6-8pm." They did vote yes. Keep in mind, it was a public park and I didn't have to do that, but I thought it was right. Also, I then got insurance for the city in case someone slipped in the parking lot of the public park. And then I hired security to act as traffic control in the street in front of my house in case anyone who did know the actual location slowed down in front of the house. -- and still, people from the neighborhood lied to the media that there was traffic. Fortunately, I filmed the street during the show night after night in case there was a lawsuit. So I had that footage in court. They lied. But let me just say a big thank you for being so kind! I don't need a parade. But I do want the truth shown to people. Thankfully, I did have things documented.
@jake1776
8 ай бұрын
logistically, I could raise more money for kids if cars weren't coming in and out. Also, there were no sidewalks and this is in the dark basically in a rural area surrounded by the woods. It would be a bad idea to just have everyone come park everywhere. But it was a public road and of course, I wasn't under an obligation to pay for shuttles. I had 6 buses in a rotation that traveled 1.3 miles to the park.@@coffeecoder8162
@dynomike12
8 ай бұрын
Thank you for the follow-up video. It’s interesting how holding a government-issued license seems to limit one’s ability to criticize the government, essentially trading free speech for professional practice. It is the inverse of the North Carolina case you recently did a video on, with the retired engineer. Before that ruling, if you’re not licensed and chime in, you’re practicing without a license. Here If you’re licensed and speak out against the government, they can take your license.
@raygunsforronnie847
8 ай бұрын
HOAs are not the government. The issue is he is a defendant in a lawsuit against the HOA and most bar associations will not admit someone with pending suits.
@courtneykelley516
8 ай бұрын
Idaho judges do what they want. Being from California, then getting in trouble here, I was offered a plea agreement from DA. Pled guilty, judge said, "you realize I could give you 7 years, do you still want to plea, I said yes, I signed for probation, he said he knew about the agreement, but reiterated the max was 7 yrs, I said yes I plea guilty, BOOM 6 YEARS. And the supreme court of Idaho upheld it due to the wording, nevermind the document I signed. That was 30 years ago, I'm still upset
@musicloverme3993
8 ай бұрын
"I'm still upset." As you should be!
@sebumgold3108
8 ай бұрын
How many years was the plea agreement? You left that out.
@lawrenceking192
8 ай бұрын
All judges can set aside plea agreements. A DA can only offer a recommendation. And the judge was trying to warn you. Did you not have a lawyer?
@KameraShy
8 ай бұрын
You got screwed.
@dennisbrantley6925
8 ай бұрын
The judge turned the jury trial into a bench trial and extended this case. We are being ruled not governed.
@jake1776
8 ай бұрын
exactly. 2 week trial. He also attempted to rig the jury in the first place by refusing to excuse a juror who stated in open court she was "prejudiced." The judge said, "she only said it once." When I turned the judge in for misconduct, the Idaho State Bar came back with a threat of disbarment or suspension. This is the current state of America. LOL. What a joke.
@paulh2981
8 ай бұрын
He told you his neighbor moved away and told him it was because she didn't like the way the HOA was treating him? That seems very far-fetched. Some of his other claims seem unrealistic as well. I found a photo where his yard is full of people with a sign that says "Free Hot Chocolate and Cotton Candy 6-9 PM" Why would he say TWO hours when there's photographic evidence that's not true? The shuttle service was very thoughtful, but there's still going to be a lot of traffic because social media would light up like his house did and his address would be publicised. Now I REALLY need to hear from someone in the HOA on this, and it would be great to hear the judge's reason for reversing the jury's decision, not to mention talking to 4-5 of his closest neighbors, because it sounds to me like we're getting a sharply slanted story.
@tonymouannes
8 ай бұрын
I guess that's why he didn't do that video on his main channel. It's very one sided.
@KameraShy
8 ай бұрын
People are just soooooo grumpy now. A few hours? One a year? All the while women and children are getting slaughtered in Ukraine.
@mrfrenzy.
8 ай бұрын
@tonymouannes I'm certain if the HOA president calls Steve to give their version we will see a video about that as well.
@tonymouannes
8 ай бұрын
@mrfrenzy. absolutely, Steve loves showing both sides of stories. That's why I watch him.
@raygunsforronnie847
8 ай бұрын
@@tonymouannes Uh... one party sends Steve an email... what do you expect to hear, bed time stories and visions of HOA attorneys dancing in your head?
@MyCabinLife
8 ай бұрын
When I bought my house I was adamant about it not being part of an HOA because I've heard of The nightmare stories. Instead what I got was a bunch of zoning restrictions that are just as bad as an HOA. So I am now in the process of getting a rural property developed so I can move with absolutely zero restrictions. It's not like I was doing any outlandish things on my property... but to tell me where I can put my garbage cans (1 can on the side of my house) not allowed... They let me know this by taping a huge sticker on my garage door then they had to come back and inspect the property to make sure it was moved. This is not a "ritzy" neighbourhood. So many other ridiculous things I've since heard about from other neighbors. I've had enough.
@username9999
8 ай бұрын
This happened in my town. I hadn't heard of the lawsuit until recently when I looked online to see if the event was still going. I thought the homeowner was quite generous to invite the entire town to his place for free cocoa, and pictures with Santa. There was a live nativity, and a local musician. I believe he was also raising money for a local charity and had a donation bucket. The house was hideous, as every inch of it was covered in lights, but it was overall a good experience. It didn't seem self-centered as some have mentioned since I didnt even know the owner's name until watching this video. I've been watching Steve's videos for months now, so I was surprised when this video auto-played and the camel situation sounded quite familiar. It seemed to be a well thought out plan by having the guests shuttled from a nearby park. To this day, I still don't know where this took place.
@jake1776
8 ай бұрын
Nice to meet you. I'm Jeremy Morris, the Christmas Lawyer. I'm so glad you had the opportunity to come to my Christmas show in Hayden!! I love what you wrote. You have the facts correct.
@gregburkowski5019
8 ай бұрын
I would never even consider owning a property that had an HOA.
@CHDean
8 ай бұрын
I won’t. I’ll live in a trailer park before submitting myself to the tyranny of an HOA.
@raygunsforronnie847
8 ай бұрын
"I'd never join a club that allows the likes of me as a member." - Groucho Marx
@dannyhullihen966
8 ай бұрын
I think it stinks that they granted him a jury, then denied him their judgement. That had to leave a bad taste in the members of the jury as well. I mean, why bother when the judge can just say, "Nope, I don't agree and we're doing it my way."
@coryc9040
8 ай бұрын
To be honest the whole story sounds like a massive waste of time and money. You have a guy that sues an HOA for putting up a display he knew they would fight him for (why even move in there and not into some house with no HOA?). You have an HOA dumping money into fighting in court when it'd be much cheaper to just change their rules, while potentially obnoxious, as presented in this video the display doesn't seem so horribly invasive for the neighbors. Then worst of all this is allowed to go before a jury when the judge is only going to allow the jury to decide one way.
@jake1776
8 ай бұрын
Yep. And it was a TWO WEEK TRIAL. worse still, the judge attempted to keep someone on the jury who said they were "prejudiced" and the judge stated, "she only said it once." He wouldn't remove her for cause and so I removed her with a strike. And that was the basis of why I filed misconduct on the judge. The Idaho State Bar has reciprocated by threatening my license. It's all really sad.
@no1ghostrider
8 ай бұрын
Corey makes it sound so easy, if I would have known it was going to come to this I wouldn't have done it, so Jake, do you live in a house with a HOA? When me and my wife moved we both said hell no, never again, not worth it
@jake1776
8 ай бұрын
@@no1ghostrider I’m the guy they are talking about. I’m the Christmas Lawyer.
@user-rf5rj7ee2v
8 ай бұрын
I'd question the HOA's management style. I wonder how the residents of the HOA feel about the amount of money that has been spent on fighting the case especially since they could loose the case?
@melissathompson7229
8 ай бұрын
What if they tighten the case?
@user-kw1wn1jr3s
8 ай бұрын
Well they admitted that they were atheists 😮🤔
@leonsdx
8 ай бұрын
Thank you for asking the most critical question as soon as possible
@andrewvelonis5940
8 ай бұрын
And the next question is: where do you get a camel? Camels R Us? Rent-a-camel?
@justinclark9258
8 ай бұрын
Once again Steve for the win with the awesome updates! 👏
@dhix2388
8 ай бұрын
Lesson stay out of ANY HOA.
@globyois
8 ай бұрын
Excellent observation that one who is personally impassioned in a case - the client - should NOT be the representing attorney.
@commonlaw5400
8 ай бұрын
Steve, Thank you for the details about this scenario. Please explain to us how a judge can LAWFULLY negate a jurys' determination. Every person on that jury has standing to issue a judicial complaint and if that judge maintains a BAR card, a bar complaint as well. Judges' actions make the whole procedure and cost of a jury trial a farce.
@donaldmarwitz2046
8 ай бұрын
I rooting for him, people should not be such a scrooge, seems how the world is headed.
@jake1776
8 ай бұрын
Thank you Donald!! ~ the christmas lawyer
@pontificusvascillious5287
8 ай бұрын
with this much into the whole show ... the christmas lawyer should produce his OWN documentary ... to TELL his story the way HE wants ... (you KNOW he wants to) 📺📽
@alhutchison1535
8 ай бұрын
How long until the resident vote out the HOA board over their handling of this issue for the past 5-years. Mainly I am guessing the HOA has done 'special assessments' to cover their legal fees as this drags on.
@andrewvelonis5940
8 ай бұрын
Thank you, Steve, for the update. This does change my view on this story.
@MB-ig6gl
8 ай бұрын
Really just clarified my point. He moved into the HOA knowing he would do this big display. He knew it could be a problem and talked to the HOA first. He learned that they (HOA Board) would not accept it. So he went ahead and did it anyway thinking he was in the right. He could have just bought elsewhere. I mean a Christmas display is a want, not a need. This was not an HOA going out of their way to pick on or fine members. They asked him not to do something he could have easily not done. It was a battle of two immovable objects. He went into the fight because he felt he was in the right. What he didn't realize is he loses either way. The HOA Board uses HOA funds for legal fees and expenses - it's like suing the government. They lose nothing personally. He is personally out so far, plus potentially paying the HOA costs as well. If the HOA loses all the families (including his if he still lived there) pay his fees. So special assessment. We like to feel the HOA Board is the entire community, but it is just a board. Read any of the big legal battles and if the HOA loses the old board members just move, leaving the mess to the community. And to top it off, he moved. Like that was the solution all along. It just seems like he went scorched earth and left them picking up the pieces. Either he loses $s, or all the residents lose $s, for the actions of the HOA Board. How is that worth it? I think it is just egos. Again setting up shuttles, etc. is an event. And you typically need permits, insurance, etc. for those. I am willing to bet that's what got the HOA involved. Typically you have rules like no business running from the home, large activities like this, etc. I bet there was a vague rule that he interpreted one way that the HOA pointed to and interpreted differently. Like the old disorderly conduct that is vaguely worded. This was obviously at some level disruptive to the HOA community (Shuttles!). Heck some cities probably have ordinances concerning this type of thing. Where I lived big things like these had off duty cops doing security, permits, porta potties, etc. Some HOAs went big with community competitions and people drove through blocking the streets to view the lights. I loved the lights but would not want to live there at Christmas. I bet lights were fine. It was the extravaganza that was the issue. You just don't get to do that type of thing in an HOA. And he knew it and went ahead with his purchase and plan anyway. I am willing to bet he could have partnered with something in the community to do this with a non-profit or something to generate donations. Churches where I lived did these things with live mangers and asked for food donations. I mean he already had the camel. But pride is a mighty thing.
@itsandrewt
8 ай бұрын
you must be fun at parties
@donstrader
8 ай бұрын
The HOA board aren’t feudal lords, their word isn’t law. The HOA guidelines are defined by the contract you sign when you join, not the whims of the current HOA board. Dude had another lawyer look over the bylaws and apparently nothing in the bylaws forbid him from doing the display
@MB-ig6gl
8 ай бұрын
@@donstrader The HOA Board gets to use the HOA funds with essentially immunity. They wasted the community's funds (including the lawyer). That is why you never win in an HOA dispute. They aren't feudal lords, but while in power can act like it. That is why there are so many horror stories. There was one in Frisco Texas (Frisco Fairways Homeowners Association) a little over a decade ago. I remember it because it was in the news and just extreme. A couple of homeowners were getting railroaded for just posting comments on a message board about their displeasure with the board about not being able to attend a meeting. The board wasted a lot of money suing them for defamation, lost (they settled out of court to essentially drop the case), and then moved. New HOA Board was voted in and the first thing was a special assessment (including the winning owners) to pay all the legal bills. The guys that "won" ended up paying their own legal costs, then their share of the HOA's legal costs. The problem is it doesn't matter if you are right. You are essentially suing yourself. And you definitely don't buy a house going in knowing you will be challenging the Board. The comments you made were essentially the approach the lawyer took - He felt he was in the right legally. Jury agreed but the judge did not. But being right does not mean you win in the end. Because even winning is losing when you battle an HOA. I mean the guy did all that and then moved anyway. I bet the community ostracised him since they had to pay all the HOA legal fees and that caused him to leave. It doesn't sound like he feels he won. The point being you never win when you sue the HOA Board. Sometimes you get stuck with a rogue board and have no choice. This guy went head long and not only has the $s hanging over his head, but potentially impacts his career. All for lights.
@mattiemathis9549
8 ай бұрын
I live in a small town, but it does have one gated community and HOA. Every year they encourage all the homeowners to decorate for Christmas. On the weekend evenings, the community is open to the public to walk or drive through. Many of the homeowners are outside interacting with the public as well. Before house to house trick or treating was basically banned, they always went over the top on Halloween as well, doing small haunted houses across a couple of properties. I wouldn’t want to live under an HOA, but the one in our town realizes that they are the top one percent and really contribute via fund raisers, food drives, donations etc to those in our community who are struggling.
@JohnDoe-vy5hh
8 ай бұрын
Great story! Thanks!
@gailwatson4927
8 ай бұрын
Loved it Steve.
@SplitScreamOFFICIAL
8 ай бұрын
Thank goodness we found out the most important facts: whether the camel was real or not
@SteveLehtoVault
8 ай бұрын
It kept me up at night wondering.
@brentoncrowhurst8338
8 ай бұрын
Hey Steve, long time viewer, 1st time commenting. Both videos on this topic are great. Very interesting. Perhaps another video when there's an outcome on the appeal and also his hatless dance with the Bar Assoc. BTW, kudos on the Cobra. Hopefully your neighbors won't sue you for the noise.
@jake1776
8 ай бұрын
I am the guy discussed in the video. I really enjoyed my conversation with Steve and will definitely give Steve an update when there is one now that I know about his channel. I would recommend going to the Fox News interview from a week ago by googling "Fox News Christmas Lawyer" and watch the 9 minute video. It explains a lot. But Steve did a really nice job clarifying some important points!
@brentoncrowhurst8338
8 ай бұрын
@jake1776 Jake, I'm gonna do just that. Somewhere, some how, the notion of freedom OF speech has been opportunistically high jacked by those who believe they have a right to freedom FROM speech--a right that imposes an obligation on others. Good for you fighting this fight. Thoroughly enjoyed this story and, especially, part 2. Happy New year to you.
@aguyinarkansas
8 ай бұрын
Great follow up. Can’t wait to see the results
@andrewvelonis5940
8 ай бұрын
Judging from what's gone on so far, you will have to do just that.
@BearMeat4Dinner
8 ай бұрын
This was da 2nd video I was looking for ❤!
@jphickory522
8 ай бұрын
More evidence that you never know the real story until you really know it. Most all news is missing critical info that is required for proper context.
@GrainneDhub-ll6vw
8 ай бұрын
The live camel should have been made clear, that's for sure.
@msomething3579
8 ай бұрын
Wonderful update and first I'll admit I haven't watched the original video but I have a couple of questions. The first is have you read the actual HOA contract and do you think it had the legal right to restrict the display? I'm asking because most people never ever read the HOA documents when purchasing a home. Our HOA rules was filled with a lot of "should" on everything and only one "must". We "should" not park on the street, privacy fences "should" be approved by the HOA, trash cans "should" be removed from the street on collection day", etc, etc,. The only "MUST" was any and all additions had to meet city building codes. My opinion was our HOA was pretty much useless and nothing more than window dressing. The second question was about the judge reversing a jury verdict, does that happen often? I'm not talking about changing the amount of a settlement or a sentencing recommendation but completely ignoring a verdict. Thanks,
@jake1776
8 ай бұрын
The judge admitted he had not done a reversal in 32 years. The HOA tried to cover their tracks for the religious discrimination by talking about things like traffic even though there was none and they don’t control the roads, and cited rules like “excessive brightness” even though it clearly stated FIXTURES and architectural lighting cannot be excessively bright. These HOAs are criminals.
@Waterlooplein1
8 ай бұрын
Eventually there will be laws limiting HOAs. There are some things you can not enforce. They already started in Texas.
@CHDean
8 ай бұрын
WAY overdue
@KameraShy
8 ай бұрын
NO, NOT a chance. . HOA rules are generally established by builders who are connected to the local politicians and state legislatures.
@Waterlooplein1
8 ай бұрын
@@KameraShy Then how did Texas happen?
@chuck6290
8 ай бұрын
What a cool phone call to get!
@SlipKnotRicky
8 ай бұрын
A cautionary tale against HOA's...
@carolinaclaus
8 ай бұрын
Another great vault video! I particularly love the Santa testifying portion. 🎄🎅
@rationalbushcraft
8 ай бұрын
Well I looked up some images of the display and one of them had the real camel in it. It was over the top crazy. But you know even though I'm not a christian I wouldn't care. Heck even with the extra lights houses have curtains right? And it is only for a month or so. If that is your worse problem in life you don't have any problems. It doesn't lower home values because it is not permanent.
@randyrainbow6692
8 ай бұрын
There is an amazing family who puts up a HUGE display each Christmas in Freelton Ontario every year. It is amazing and all they ask for visitors to do is drop off a food donation for the food bank.....period. I am willing to bet that it takes them more than 50 hours of work or more to put up and take it down. . We all load up in the vans and check it out every year. The grandkids love it. The best part is more and more of the neighbors are joining in and it seems to be getting bigger and bigger annually. . Thanks for the update.
@seanmiley6294
8 ай бұрын
3yrs stuck in court! 😲 I would like to see laws passed that hold the courts accountable for moving at a snails pace while this man's costs pile up. .Set some deadlines. Justice delayed is justice denied.
@larrybremer4930
8 ай бұрын
Justice delayed along with Justice priced out of reach is justice denied. I applaud this guy for taking the fight all the way on his own dime but also sad for the residents that will end up footing the bill (sounds a lot like what happens when a cop goes rogue).
@gcanada3005
8 ай бұрын
Lawyers charge by the hour, don’t forget. Everyone profits the longer a case goes on
@seanmiley6294
8 ай бұрын
Except those seeking justice. It's a real conflict of interest.
@erbewayne6868
8 ай бұрын
Why do people purchase a house that is part of a HOA?
@raygunsforronnie847
8 ай бұрын
Because the vast majority of new housing developments have HOAs/COAs created by the developer, who owns all the lots/units and controls the owner's association until the development is at least 66% (or whatever the majority vote is to change bylaws, remove board members or modify the CCRs) sold out. This means if you want a new home the likelihood of an HOA is very high. Your only choice is older homes in older neighborhoods without HOAs.
@randolphscudder2372
8 ай бұрын
The more I hear about this case, the more I wonder if that judge who didn't allow the jury verdict to stand isn't somehow associated with an HOA because he seems to be acting like an HOA scrooge.
@CHDean
8 ай бұрын
Oh, absolutely. Investigate the collusion angle.
@KameraShy
8 ай бұрын
Or stooge.
@john-stringham
8 ай бұрын
"Christmas Lawyer..." A little like the tooth fairy only he comes down the chimney and leaves a subpoena under your pillow.
@CHDean
8 ай бұрын
New Tim Allen movie?
@xnadave
8 ай бұрын
Happy new year!
@douglasgeis3471
8 ай бұрын
Bankrupting one more overreaching HOA is a win for homeowners everywhere! Thank You Jeremy
@murraystewartj
8 ай бұрын
Great update. People think the HOA is just the three or four people with a title. Wrong. They're just the exectutve board acting on behalf of all the homeowners in the association. If people are dumb enough to buy a home in an HOA community they should at least be smart enough to pay attention, attend meetings and hold the executive to account, lest their stupidity winds up costing every home owner a huge "special levy" for legal fees.
@msomething3579
8 ай бұрын
Not to mention people should actually read, really examine the HOA contract BEFORE agreeing to purchase a home. Of course no one ever does, it just another annoying piece of paper to sign at the closing.
@jake1776
8 ай бұрын
@@msomething3579did you even read this story? I had 2 attorneys read the rules. I was TARGETED. It’s called discrimination. There were no rules against a Christmas display or fundraiser.
@msomething3579
8 ай бұрын
@@jake1776 Did you have those attorneys read the rules BEFORE joining the HOA,.. Keyword in my post was "BEFORE", even highlighted the word "BEFORE".
@jake1776
8 ай бұрын
@@msomething3579 yes. Before. To be clear- no attorney actually thinks I violated a single rule. The HOA is claiming rule violations to coverup their openly anti-Christian certified letter. There’s a reason we won a unanimous jury verdict. The HOA put their hatred in writing.
@davidphillips7321
8 ай бұрын
What Happened to a Speedy Trail (2 Years) ? Asking for a Friend...Stay Safe...Happy Festivus...
@anon-yw4wd
8 ай бұрын
🤣🤣🤣
@raygunsforronnie847
8 ай бұрын
That applies to criminal courts. Civil matters? That's up to the judge or administrative court officer.
@Blitterbug
8 ай бұрын
Thanks for this Steve. I'm still a little unhappy that he classed the HOA as 'probably a bunch of Xmas-hating atheists', speaking here as an Xmas-loving atheist.
@CHDean
8 ай бұрын
Present company excluded, they appear to be.
@2004RADMAN
8 ай бұрын
Hello Steve. Have a happy New year.
@anthonybertone2336
8 ай бұрын
Now Steve, that was a great update and I did make comments on your original video that I wouldn’t like it either if it was right next-door to me but now that you presented the fax, I probably wouldn’t have minded it either
@jamesfournier6114
8 ай бұрын
Great Follow up on the story. I have one question if he was not acting as his own Attorney in his case he is the defendant. How can the Idaho Bar try to remove his license he was not the attorney and just a person at that point making a statement ?
@nimroddiaries_
8 ай бұрын
If I heard correctly; they claim he spoke disparaging toward a sitting judge. That's the cause. Gotta keep the royalty in dresses happy thinking they're above everyone. 🤦♂️
@SourceAwryT
8 ай бұрын
@@nimroddiaries_ , above nothing but the law and the people who come before them. Cheers!
@nimroddiaries_
8 ай бұрын
@@SourceAwryT maybe, on paper. Have a safe and blessed New Year.
@SourceAwryT
8 ай бұрын
@@nimroddiaries_ , Happy New Year to you and yours as well. 🎉🍻
@nimroddiaries_
8 ай бұрын
@@SourceAwryT ❤️☝️🙏
@MarinosMysteries
8 ай бұрын
Love hearing stuff like this.
@raygunsforronnie847
8 ай бұрын
I recall Santa testifying in one of the old classic Christmas movies...
@assessoraudit
8 ай бұрын
I wish he would spend his time suing the crooked judge.
@CraigGrant-sh3in
8 ай бұрын
There's a rural village\town about 30 miles from where I live . I was working on a manufacturing plant in the village. Someone told me about a guy who had a camel in his front yard just outside the village. "Ya right" I left work that night and went that way and sure enough, I passed a camel that was standing in the guys front yard in upstate NY .
@jimtruesdell4603
8 ай бұрын
What is the reason for having a trial by jury if the judge can negate the jury's verdict and impose his personal opinion? I believe the Constitution states that you have the right to be tried by you peers but I don''t recall any mention of a judge being able to override their verdict.
@justin423
8 ай бұрын
Few more questions. 1. Does he still own the house? 2. If he sold it, was the massive legal fees run up by the HOA (and presumably paid so far?) disclosed to the buyer? HOA, Co-op and Condo board members treat their boards like a little fiefdom, and ask any real property lawyer that deals with them regularly, and they will have a story about a board that could have consulted a lawyer at the time of the board action and gotten legal advice then for a few hundred to a few thousand dollars that would have saved them tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands in legal fees later. 95% of these boards define the term "penny wise and pound foolish".
@steak5599
8 ай бұрын
issue is, these people on the board doesn't care. Worst thing that can happen to them is they quit. Just as Steve said, if they lose the court battle, they will just do a "special assessment" to collect money from everyone who lives there, the People who made the mistake don't have to suffer personally is the issue.
@KAnneMeinel
8 ай бұрын
The first video left me thinking he was an over-the-top jerk with recordings, belligerence, and a 'I am right because I'm an attorney' attitude. This update made me realize that he was in the right and the HOA was simply trying to flex their muscles (as they always do) when you get petty bureaucrats with money they can spend that isn't directly theirs. No one ever wins these, however, I hope he does and keeps his license.
@daisybravo6526
8 ай бұрын
Clark Howard cautions people to thou roughly know HOA rules before buying into area covered by them. Best to be involved in one that have them taken over by bullies. I wonder if everyone in HOA area approved of what the HOA was doing. Can the individuals running the HOA be held accountable for the financial damage that they're causing.
@richardrhodes-gc2ko
8 ай бұрын
Danny and Matthew.Great Movie.Optician and a car salesman.Almost as riveting as your show Steve.Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
@tman1990
8 ай бұрын
This boils down the judge is getting a kickback from the HOA. I would bet the Powerball Jackpot.
@paulpipitone8357
8 ай бұрын
Before an HOA engages in law suites the entire community should vote on it since they bear the costs
@kurtzxcvb3481
8 ай бұрын
The HOA we had carried an insurance policy so if it was sued the insurance policy paid out up to 10 million
@johnjacobson8484
8 ай бұрын
The number of times Steve has to talk about something that happened in Idaho (my state) intrigues me. Our population is tiny, but we end up in the news ALOT. 😊😅
@MGower4465
8 ай бұрын
At least you aren't Florida.
@raygunsforronnie847
8 ай бұрын
Kind of like Florida, with fewer people and cold weather.
@stevenbrannen1568
8 ай бұрын
only 3 mins in and must say, 5 days and only 2 hours a day, changes alot. Will watch rest of video but sounds like the guy was railroaded.
@Laszlo34
8 ай бұрын
What a STUPID nightmare!! HOAs should be $#@! _BANNED_ !!
@Joshua-ew6ks
8 ай бұрын
Shouldn't HOA be consider a form of local government subject to the constitution? (Real question). They tax you, they use those taxes for the community. You vote for your members (for the most part). They can fine you for breaking rules. And if you don't pay your fines or fees they can take your house from you. Sounds like a government entity to me.
@LadyLithias
8 ай бұрын
I honestly cannot answer that question, but I am in a unique position that might shed light on it. When my family moved to our current location we had HOA on our radar as something to avoid. The house we bought was in a neighborhood with a neighborhood association. (not a HOA) and also some covenants or basic rules. No shooting guns. No chopping down big trees without discussion. No major eye sores. But we read the whole thing through multiple times (the covenants) and in the end felt that it was worth it to adhere to rules we liked. The "fees" were optional and the neighborhood association has been unobtrusive since we moved here. We've added a greenhouse, a chicken house, a barn, four sheds, and cut a hundred trees down, added chickens, goats and sheep. No problem. I'm pretty sure that the covenants are a legal limitation on the property rights, but the neighborhood association is in no way an arm of the government. In addition to them, there's a Special Road District - I've been a board member since I moved here. In that case every homeowner has zero say in whether or not they pay, because the county assesses them a fee every year for the taxes, and a portion goes to the road district. We hold elections every year (three board members, three-year terms, one member elected each year). That entity is absolutely an arm of the government. We get money every year, and it's our job to maintain our one three-quarter mile paved road, and 5 miles of unpaved roads. We can sue and be sued if necessary. As for a true formal HOA -- because they don't have the government in the loop.... ie the govt. doesn't collect the fees, doesn't cut the HOA a check, and doesn't use the might of officialdom to shoulder its way to victory, then it's not really an arm of the government. What it is, is an agreement that the owner enters into voluntarily when they buy the house. Either in ignorance or eyes wide open.... but becomes a monster quickly. We've never regretted moving into our area, and have seen similar housing areas (5, 10, 20 acre lots) where they rejected the notion of a road district or an HOA, and when you drive through, you can tell..... bags of trash on the road. Missing road signs. Trashy homes. Political signs urging the wholesale slaughter of folks who have alternate viewpoints..... creepy. I like where I live. I like the well kept roads, the peace, the quiet.
@marktuttle3609
8 ай бұрын
Why have a jury trial if the judge will throw out the jury's decision and make the decision himself.
@icebreaker7079
8 ай бұрын
A lawyer should know to avoid living in an HOA.
@mrbill2600
8 ай бұрын
Why oh why, after years of litigation and having lost in court, haven't the residents voted in a new HOA Board of Directors? Oh wait, they're probably "snowbirds" that are living in Arizona during the Christmas display.
@matthewgoebel8785
8 ай бұрын
Maybe they did vote in a new board, we don't know. If the money has already been spent the new board might still proceed with the appeal.
@mrbill2600
8 ай бұрын
@@matthewgoebel8785 Why proceed? The lawyers are going to continue to rack up billable hours. No matter the outcome only the lawyers will win ... This entire mess looks like a lawyers' scam on an inept HOA.
@lensmith4192
8 ай бұрын
Ben behind Steve's head.
@user-mo1dy5ev6j
8 ай бұрын
Both the judge and the bar are in on the beat down. The HOA people must be very connected.
@user-kw1wn1jr3s
8 ай бұрын
Just watched the fox piece and very enlightening, the part left out by Steve is that the leaders in HOA admitted to being atheist- and their it is !!!!
@coryc9040
8 ай бұрын
All of them? Did they admit that's why they didn't want it? If they shut down a similar Halloween display would there be any real difference?
@mykeride
8 ай бұрын
The HoA's lawyer is a clear winner in this case. $100k+ in billable hours.
@sarahcallahan5678
8 ай бұрын
EB Friday! 🎄⭐✨ Merry Christmas, Steve! And Happy New Year! 🎉🎉🎉
@matthewhall5571
8 ай бұрын
There's a misconception that the First Amendment is only supposed to be used when it's convenient, or sticks with conventional wisdom, and that it isn't ever supposed to be loud or messy or over the top. But that's missing the entire point. It's supposed to allow for some cacophony on purpose in order for society to work out the right answers and the best ideas. Freedom in society is more important than a couple of homeowners in an HOA being upset about something.
@Jirodyne
8 ай бұрын
I've always had an issue with people calling it "Freedom of Speech", and then in the same breath saying "Except with ----" Likes 'Threats', or 'Racial Slurs', or whatever else. At which point I always ask, "Then how is it a 'Freedom' of Speech. That sounds more like Lightly Restricted Speech" I am of the believe that EVERY kinda speech is free, and you should NEVER be allowed to be punished by ANYONE not just the Government, but that NO ONE PERIOD! should be allowed to Restrict your Speech. Cause we base Punishments, and Laws, off ACTIONS, not off SPEECH. When you MURDER someone, that is a crime. NOT when you tell someone to go Die. Cause one is SPEECH that is 100% Harmless and does nothing physical. While the other is a PHYSICAL ACTION that causes harm. I am always of the belief that Knowledge is power and MUST be shared, and that MORE Knowledge is always better. So to me, someone SHOULD be allowed to tell people EXACTLY how to make a home made bomb, out of items found in their house. And if the Government doesn't like that, they can turn around and arm citizens with knowledge of how to safely DISARM a Bomb, how to IDENTIFY a Bomb, and what to do if a bomb goes off NEAR them and their family. Instead, people try to hide away how to make a bomb, but it's impossible to hide information forever in the Dark Web and criminals, and it's nearly impossible to find info easily on Bomb Safety. Knowledge, and thus Speech, are meant to be FREE, hense the term FREEdom. Free to share, Free to Express, Free to Consume. And it should NEVER be Restricted in ANY form, no PUNISHED in any form. Cause then, it isn't a Freedom, it isn't a RIGHT, if the government, corporation, website, or anyone else can just TAKE IT AWAY from you.
@SourceAwryT
8 ай бұрын
@@Jirodyne , free speech is vital to free thought. People who don't want that or don't care can freely choose someone to speak and think for them, and they can permanently surrender the rights they don't want or need to whomever they choose. However, they do not have any authority to give or take mine or anyone else's but their own, and their rights do not extend past the point where they butt against yours or mine. Where I live, the code enforcement arm of the local PD really tries to assert themselves like an HOA. They make shit up as they go, driving around looking for reasons it is okay to extort the people they call themselves serving, picking and choosing who to harrass and who to turn a blind eye to. I have been an intentional pain in their asses for 18 of the 20 years I have lived in my house, challenging everything they say and do, armed solely with their codes. They finally did away with the animal control position, which was useless bc all they did is steal dogs and ransom them back to their owners. My husband and sons have shot 5 raccoons in the past several years, after we learned our animal control department only dealt with other people's pets and theoretical rats. Never seen one, but by golly, lots of violations involve the possibility that rats might be on their way to our neighborhood, lol. And the worst part is it's the neighbors calling on each other, for the pettiest issues not even covered in the local ordinances. I can't decide who is the dumber of the two, the lady who calls the police to report grass for growing, or the police officers that show up to check it out. Cheers!
@steak5599
8 ай бұрын
Now this updated Story raised another issue with the HOA. Instead of just backing off and let the guy be, they want to be petty and spend OTHER PEOPLE's MONEY to rack up a bunch of Legal Fees. This is same issue with government agency as well, because the person who is wrong doesn't have to be personally suffer from being wrong.
@donstor1
8 ай бұрын
I will never live under the crushing rule of an HOA.
@gordonshumway7239
8 ай бұрын
No word on whether the display included "Morris Dancing"? 🙂
@cmpe43
8 ай бұрын
In Illinois, female judges rule on opinions not fact when money is involved.
@musicloverme3993
8 ай бұрын
Same with CAF. It's LEOs opinion that the money is guilty!
@paulbingville6485
8 ай бұрын
Imagine the shuttle bus idea worked best the first year. After that folks who rode it might remember the address and drive there by themselves, share it with friends, or even post it on social media.
@R.a.t.t.y
8 ай бұрын
Hi Steve I have a first class degree in Mathematics and I can confirm that five times two is indeed ten. This was checked on Google, Siri, 5 calculators, an abacus and with my five year old son. However, being a statistician, I should say that there is always a percentage chance of error. So the answer is ten, probably.
@andrewvelonis5940
8 ай бұрын
What's a "first class degree?"
@R.a.t.t.y
8 ай бұрын
@@andrewvelonis5940 Degrees in most UK Universities come in at grades: 1st, 2:1, 2:2, 3rd, pass.
@bugalaman
8 ай бұрын
The neighbor couldn't see it, but could they smell it?
@daithi1966
8 ай бұрын
Honestly, if my neighbor had a Christmas display that lasted 2 hours a day for 5 days, then I'm pretty sure I'd enjoy it. Go as wild as you want. One of my neighbors has his family spend the weekend a couple days before Christmas at his home every year. They play loud music until about 2:00 am for two days in a row. Does it bother me? It is a little annoying, but he's enjoying time with his family. I can put up with a very slight inconvenience. Come on, it's Christmas.
@CHDean
8 ай бұрын
That’s what I say too.
@rebeccafreelin7515
8 ай бұрын
The members of the HOA must be irritated with the board for pushing this ignorant lawsuit. The assessment would make me mad. I wsd a part of an HOA and very happy to leave the board and the HOA.
@boikatsapiens499
8 ай бұрын
Ben still in front of the center mic.
@nancienordwick4169
8 ай бұрын
How common is it for a judge to throw out the jury's verdict and substitute their own. Is that even legal!?
@chrisfoxwell4128
8 ай бұрын
If the circuit court rules, it might negatively impact HOAs. There's a lot of money tied up in managing HOAs and therefore a lot of "interests" attached to HOAs.
@catskinner3254
8 ай бұрын
Moral of the story. Do not move into an HOA !
@phobos258
8 ай бұрын
he does all that work for 10 hours of community entertainment. That's a service. not a problem.
@lunatik9696
8 ай бұрын
I believe strongly in the 1st Amendment. I don't celebrate Xmas, but I still enjoy the "Saturnalia" lights. I do not know the details of the HOA contract terms. However, it is conceivable the display is a nuisance. If the HOA prohibits other displays and it is in their rules, regulations, or policies, I would support their argument. If it is in the regulations, but they only enforce on Xmas displays, then I would NOT support the HOA argument. I find it somewhat hilarious Christians calling a pagan ritual a Christian tradition.
@mikejones-dt8vj
8 ай бұрын
HOA's should be outlawed everywhere in America. It goes against the preamble of the Constitution. I know that the preamble is not a legal document but it outlines the heart of America.
@RyanK-100
8 ай бұрын
In light of what the Christmas Lawyer said, I wonder on what basis the judge decided to reverse a jury's decision and award a huge amount of $$$ in the other direction. The jury read the HOA agreement and made a decision. Sounds like his analysis of her anti-Christian bias was correct and I hope he does not lose his license for stating the obvious. This judge is almost as bad as the one who moved the trial to the guys home.
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