Christopher M. Klein

Judge Court Eastern District of California

Judge Christopher Klein Takes Sides on a Circuit Spilt Coming to the Supreme Court

Judge Klein’s opinion reads like an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to grant ‘cert’ and resolve a circuit split by taking sides with the majority on Section 362(c)(3)(A).

Section 362(k)(1) Sanctions Apply to Automatic Stay Violation Continuing After Discharge

Almost $35,000 in actual and punitive damages was imposed on a judgment creditor and its collection law firm for failing to vacate a garnishment following notice of bankruptcy and discharge.

Debt of $46,000 Discharged Despite a Flagrantly False Loan Application

Even though the debtor defaulted, Judge Christopher Klein held a trial and ruled that the lender had not relied on a false loan application.

If It’s Consensual, a Plan Can Discharge a Nondischargeable Debt

A debt that’s been paid in full under state law is discharged even if the debtor never receives a discharge, Judge Klein says.

Judge Refuses to Vacate Opinion Socking a Bank with $40 Million in ‘Punies’

California judge won’t bar the debtor from settling for more than the original $6 million in compensatory damages while forsaking $40 million in punitive damages earmarked for public interest groups.