can the courts put you in jail for not complieing with a judgement that was put against you
2006-12-12 14:13:10 · 9 answers · asked by steven d 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
No. They can't put you in jail for a civil judgment for money damages. The practice of jailing people for owing money was called "debtor's jail" and it has been completely abandoned in this country. If you fail to pay a judgment, your wages can be garnished and a judgment lien will be recorded. If you own a home, it is virtually impossible for someone holding a judgment (called a creditor) to foreclose on the judgment or lien and take your home -- unless the creditor holds a mortgage, in which case they absolutely can take your home. The law which forbids a creditor from taking your home is called "homestead rule". However, although a creditor can't throw you out of your home and sell it off to satisfy a judgment, they can require you to pay the judgment out of the proceeds of the sale of the home when you try to sell it. If a creditor is going to garnish your wages, they will need to apply for a "writ of garnishment" which is an order from the court approving their request to pay the judgment by taking your wages. Lastly, some judgment can be discharged in bankruptcy. You would need to consult with a bankruptcy attorney to determine whether the judgment can be discharged.
2006-12-12 14:24:37 · answer #1 · answered by alwaysyellin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They can not put you in jail unless you broke the law .
example; if you wrote bad checks, or stole money or merchandise.
You can not be put in jail for just oweing a debt.
How ever the attorney or people who brought and won the judgement can garnishee your wages, take steps to sell your house or property, real estate and personal;, collect your income tax refund.
2006-12-12 14:19:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is the very reason why sometimes it doesn't pay to sue someone in small claims or large claims unless you know they own real estate or have money.
You're the victor with judgment that's not worth the paper it was printed on.
2006-12-12 15:00:59 · answer #3 · answered by El_Nimo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That depends on the judgement, but usually they can put your in jail! They can seize assets, freeze accounts, etc. It just depends on the judgement and the circumstances.
2006-12-12 14:15:19 · answer #4 · answered by cyanne2ak 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Usually they garnish your wages, bank accounts, or tax returns, I'm not sure about jail time, the laws are different in different states
2006-12-12 14:20:58 · answer #5 · answered by Lolitta 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
depends on what court? if it's small claims they'll do absolutely nothing to you nor do they garnish you pay for the amount you owe
2006-12-12 14:16:51 · answer #6 · answered by cutiepie81289 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dog the bounty hunter finds you! AHHHHH
2006-12-12 14:24:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
jail or a lien on whatever you have of value such as a car or house
2006-12-12 14:16:15 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
sure.. they can give you comtempt of court or something like that and throw you in jail
2006-12-12 14:15:12 · answer #9 · answered by asdf 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋