I missed my court date for a small claims suit placed against me and requested an appeal but was denied, what grounds can I use in the appeal to assure that I receive another trial when I go to circuit court I also had a counter claim against this person they are a contractor did a poor job and did some very underhanded things like call my bank pretending to have a check which they did not to find out my balance I feel they breached the contract because they refused to do work until they received a payment before it was due

If you missed your court date did the judge go forward in your absence and find for the other party? The verdict may be over as far as the courts are concerned.