Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in California
I never paid a balance on a cell phone provider account. Now they are taking me to court and i dont have a job or money. will the Judge send me to jail if i can not pay them?
3 Answers from Attorneys
No, we do not have debtors' prisons. However, the judge may render judgment in the creditor's favor; they would be able to collect upon the judgment, e.g. through wage garnishment or levying a bank account.
This answer (as well as our Web site) doesn�t address all facts & implications of the question; it�s general info, not legal advice to be relied upon; it creates no attorney-client relationship; it may be pertinent to CA only; it�s independent of other answers. Hire legal counsel before acting or refraining from bankruptcy/legal action.
Only if you live in Arkansas, Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, or Washington can you be arrested for debts, and even in those states if you cannot pay all you have to do is file for bankruptcy before you get arrested.
No. Consult an attorney to see if you have any defenses to the lawsuit.