Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Texas

credit card debts

I received a letter from an attorney's office (per the letterhead and signature) stating that I was being served that I owed a debt of a credit card from 7-8 years ago, the letter stated that I would be serving time in a jail if the debt was not paid. It was not a certified letter nor was it a summons. Can I be jailed for a credit card bill? Also, I have my paperwork from a Credit Counselor showing paid. I tried to explain by phone and sending documentation but to no avail. Can they really put me in jail for non payment? I am very scared!


Asked on 2/18/07, 6:01 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Peter Bradie Bradie, Bradie & Bradie

Re: credit card debts

You can't be jailed for a civil debt. Keep that letter, because it's worth $1,000. Get a consumer law attorney in your area to go after this turkey. It's illegal to threaten criminal charges for an advantage in a civil suit. You can't bring, or threaten to bring, a lawsuit after the statute of limitations has obviously run. This firm has stepped into the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act bigtime.

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Answered on 2/19/07, 11:21 am
James Grissom Law Office of James P. Grissom

Re: credit card debts

I hope you kept that letter and that it really threatens you with jail. Find a good consumer law attorney in your area and get ready to spend the "law firm's" money.

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Answered on 2/18/07, 6:35 pm


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