Today, I had my unemployment hearing regarding my layoff from my previous job in New York. The hearing was intense; my former employer challenged my claim and even accused me of misconduct for being late on my last day. The judge was quick and somewhat intimidating, but she was fair. She asked my former employer if I had received any warnings before the incident, and he claimed I had, while I asserted that I had not. The judge quickly pointed out that there was no policy supporting his claim of misconduct. She also noticed that he had omitted his own responses to my emails where he approved my sick days and lateness excuses, which was a relief. During my testimony, I mentioned a conversation I had with one of the company owners who terminated me, but I forgot to bring up that he offered to be a professional reference for me, which I have in an email. I felt that could have strengthened my case. The hearing was adjourned because there were missing documents from the Department of Labor regarding an overpayment issue, which I know is a system problem, but the judge didn’t allow me to elaborate on that. After the hearing, my former employer tried to ask about another form, mistakenly thinking I was applying for unemployment again, but it was actually about unpaid wages they owe me. The judge dismissed him and told him to contact the DOL. I was nervous and didn't speak up when I should have, missing a chance to further discredit him. It feels incredibly unfair that my employer can put me through this, and if I hadn’t defended myself, I could have faced a $6,400 fine and lost wages. I also noticed my former employer lied under oath about several details regarding policies and warnings, which I thought could be considered perjury. I’m left wondering what consequences he might face that I won’t see. As I prepare for the next hearing, I’m trying to figure out how to include the professional reference statement and email confirmation in my testimony. I thought I was prepared, but the judge's speed and directness caught me off guard.