When debt collectors come after people, they often expect a quick win. But not on our watch. At The Fullman Firm, we don’t just defend cases—we fight back strategically, step by step. 
Recently, we went head-to-head against DNF Associates LLC, a debt collector that came into trial aggressively. They wanted a tremendous amount of money from our client. Instead of folding under the pressure, we stood our ground, executed our plan, and walked away with a judgment in favor of our client. 
Here’s how we did it:
Step 1: Protect Against Default Judgment
Debt collectors love default judgments. Why? Because if you don’t respond, they win automatically.
We immediately filed a response to protect our client from that trap. By doing this, we kept the case alive and made sure the collector had to actually prove their claims. 
Step 2: Strategic Discovery (And a Trap for the Collector)
Next, we carefully navigated the discovery process.
Discovery is where each side has to exchange evidence. DNF Associates didn’t hold up their end of the bargain. By failing to fully participate, they set themselves up for trouble—exactly the kind of mistake we were ready to take advantage of. 
Step 3: Motions in Limine (Excluding Their Evidence)
Because DNF Associates failed to follow discovery rules, we filed motions in limine.
This meant the court wouldn’t even allow them to present certain evidence at trial. Without their “proof,” their case collapsed. 
The Result: Judgment FOR Our Client
At trial, DNF Associates realized the case was lost and tried to dismiss it. But here’s the twist: we objected to dismissal. Why? Because by pushing for a judgment in our client’s favor, we preserved the right to recover certain costs from them. 
In the end, not only did our client avoid paying the debt collector a dime—they walked away with a legal victory that puts them in a stronger position.
Takeaway: You Have Rights, Even Against Aggressive Collectors
Debt collectors count on fear, confusion, and silence. But when you fight back strategically with the right legal team, you can win.
At The Fullman Firm, we’ve been defending clients for over 20 years, using every tool available—responses, discovery, motions, and trial advocacy—to stop debt collectors in their tracks. 
If a collector like DNF Associates is coming after you, don’t go it alone. Call us today and let’s build your defense.
The key is to respond immediately to the lawsuit so they can’t win by default. From there, a skilled debt defense lawyer can challenge their evidence, force them through discovery, and use legal motions to block unreliable documents.
If a collector like DNF Associates fails to participate in discovery, the court can exclude their evidence. Without proof, their case often falls apart—just like it did in our recent trial win. ⚖️
No. California courts require debt collectors to prove their claims with admissible evidence. If they don’t have it—or if their evidence gets excluded—they can’t win.
By objecting to dismissal, we secured a judgment in favor of our client, which allows us to recover costs. This outcome is stronger than a dismissal because it puts the win officially on the record.
Yes. Debt collectors have legal teams working for them, so having a judgment defense attorney on your side levels the playing field. With the right strategy, you can protect your rights and even beat aggressive collectors in trial.