Can I face jail for an unpaid debt?

Question Details:

Asked on 7/27/2015 under: Collections and Debt Minnesota

M.D., Member, California And New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney Answered 3 years ago | Contributor

No, unless you committed some type of fraud in obtaining the money. The fact is that debtors' prison no longer exits. However, while you won't face jail, you can face a laswsuit if you fail to pay your obligation as agreed.

Legally, either a debt collector or creditor may threaten you with criminal charges. If you have been so threatened, you can sue under the "Fair Debt Collections Practices Act" (FDCPA).

If you feel that your rights have been violated, contact your state's attorney general's office or department of consumer affairs. You can also contact an attorneywho specialize in fighting illegal debt collection practices.

Rate This Answer:

Not Yet Rated

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you go to AttorneyPages.com and retain an attorney to represent you.