In a case of mistaken identity and a web of conflicting
testimony, a Fresno local business successfully appealed a price
gouging fine. The saga between the store and the City of
Fresno offers insights in the importance of maintaining proper
business records to defend potential price gouging allegations.
On April 8, 2021, an Administrative Hearing Officer for the City
of Fresno, California dismissed an Administrative Citation issued
by the City Attorney's Office against a local business for
allegedly price gouging. City Inspectors issued the $10,000
citation in March 2020 while Fresno was under a State of
Emergency. The store owner appealed the fine, and after a
virtual hearing, the Hearing Officer determined that the City had
not met its burden of proving each element of the case against the
business.
