I know how to add the value of check boxes but how do you keep the total field fom displaying 0 as the default value when the form is opened?

First try with variables so please bear with me.  Two drop down lists.  User selects a court location.  Based upon selection the second drop list provides a list of employees. Barnstable & Bristol selections work as intended.  But the Berkshire probation officer list has "empty" on the bottom.  How ...