Debtors prison
Date: Fri, 10/28/2011 - 18:04
I thought Debtors' prison was outlawed years ago. However, I heard on the news about a guy in MO (I think) who had bought some furniture and fell behind on the payments. After dealing with a collection agency and not being able to keep up with the payments, a judgment was obtained against him. Apparently, there was some kind of hearing held to determine his financial ability to pay but he did not show up. He was eventually arrested and put in jail for not paying the debt. This scares me to death. The one thing they did say is that since he did not show up for the hearing a bench warrant was issued and I t hink that is why he was arrested. However, this scares me. Is it normal for a bench warrant to be issued for someone who owes a past due bill???
He was arrested for contempt of court. Most debt collectors will
He was arrested for contempt of court. Most debt collectors will not push for this, and it will usually only happen if the judge decides himself that it is appropriate.
Unless the penalty is required by law, he may have said or done something to get the judge angry at him.
Too bad, because debt collectors rarely win. I know, because I was one until two months ago.
Quote:Apparently, there was some kind of hearing held to determi
Quote:
Apparently, there was some kind of hearing held to determine his financial ability to pay but he did not show up. He was eventually arrested and put in jail for not paying the debt |
he was not arrested for not paying the debt....he was arrest for contempt of court...for not showing up to the hearing.
