Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Georgia

It is a crime to conceal property that is the subject of a security agreement, like a pawn title. The secured creditor is allowed to engage in self-help by repossessing the vehicle if you do not pay. Whether they will pursue criminal charges and the success of those charges would depend on the evidence. Being out of state caring for an ailing parent is not the same as deliberately hiding or destroying secured property, but that does not stop them from taking out a warrant if they have a mind to do so.

You had better figure out what you are going to do and quick. If you can get caught up, well and good. Unless your car is worth substantially more than what you borrowed, chances are that the title pawn place wants money, not your car. If you cannot pay then you have got to tell them where the car is at or you will irritate them into taking out a warrant.

And while being out of state caring for your mother is laudable, it doesn't excuse you from not paying your bills. While these car title pawn places are horrible, the same result would follow if you had a regular car loan and stopped paying. Even if you are one day late, the lender has a right to repo your car if they want. So your choices are limited - either find a way to get current quick, file bankruptcy or give them the car.

I agree with Ms. Hunter. You don't see them take warrants out often, as they use this mostly as a scare tactic. However, it does not mean that they can't try, and dealing with criminal charges can be a serious headache, even though most are eventually dismissed. Get in touch with them and see if you can make arrangements to pay. If you cant', you may wan to consider a bankruptcy to pay it off that way and avoid the high interest and criminal charges.

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