Homeowner files suit against the city over for defective judgment on occupied home

NEW ORLEANS – A local homeowner has filed suit to prove his residency status in order to avoid court costs.

Michael E. Duronslet filed suit against the City of New Orleans Bureau of Code Enforcement and Hearings, and Director Pura Bascos in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court on July 11.

The City of New Orleans is accused of rendering a defective judgment against Duronslet’s Independence Street residence.

The petitioner claims that he corrected any and all defects, took pictures and yielded them as instructed on May 7 before a scheduled hearing on the matter on May 9. Despite submitting evidence of his occupancy, Duronslet claims the documentation was not given to hearing personnel before the hearing and that his hearing cost was not voided. He further claims that the judgment of $75 in court costs and a $100 fine is excessive as he is on a fixed income and the fines would place an undue burden on him.

The plaintiff seeks a vacation of the judgment against him or that the fine be waived under in forma pauperis.

Michael E. Duronslet is representing himself pro se in the case.

The case has been assigned to District L Judge Kern A. Reese.

Case no. 13-6479.