Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Florida

I keep receiving unknown numbers that are repeatably calling me but I have no clue from where they are from and they claim that I am being sued.

Is there a such things as a criminal lawsuit? How are defendants contacted? Can I person be informed over the phone they have a lawsuit against them? Im a legal studies and Im sure you are contacted by mail and by the sheriff not by unknown numbers or phone calls


Asked on 12/24/10, 6:47 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Shelly Schellenberg MI & FL private practice

There is no such thing as a "criminal lawsuit". If you are charged with a crime, the court issues a warrant for your arrest, and the police do not call you, they just show up.

Civil suits require service of process by a person or by registered mail, again, not by phone.

You are probably being hounded by a credit collection company. You can file a complaint online with the FCC (Federal Communications Commission). It's very simple procedure. This usually stops the caller, but you must be able to state the phone number of the offending party, your name, address, phone number, and dates and times of the calls. Also, register your number on the Florida (this costs about $10, but worth it) and National "do not call" list. If you keep having a problem with these annoying phone calls, you can sue. Under the Florida "do not call" laws, you may be able to collect damages plus attorney fees.

Read more
Answered on 12/29/10, 9:45 am


Related Questions & Answers

More General Civil Litigation questions and answers in Florida