What can happen if he gets a judgement against me?
2007-03-23 09:36:12 · 14 answers · asked by kimberly t 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
1. You need a lawyer.
2. The court will NOT give you a free lawyer if you can't afford one.
3. The absolute worst thing you can do is to not show up and let the other guy get a judgment by default. Unless you are on your death bed SHOW UP IN COURT to answer the suit.
Depending on the size of the judgment you might be forced into bankruptcy. You wages can be garnished. Your property can have liens placed against it and, depending on the state, seized and sold.
2007-03-23 09:54:35 · answer #1 · answered by Newt Kiley 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If you truly don't owe money or damages, don't be intimidated by their attorney. If you can afford an attorney get one. If that is totally out of the question, you may get some help from the court, to direct you to low cost paralegal services, but no they will not provide you a free attorney that is only for criminal matters. Do make sure you have all your facts together,written documentation ect, or witness to support your position and they are ready to appear. The day of court, if you have witnesses they MUST be there, it is at the judges discretion to give you a continuance, and he/she could just rule against you. The judge does realize you are not an attorney and will give you some leeway, but be as prepared as you possibly can.
If they do get a judgment, you have generally 30days to satisfy the judgment (pay). If you don't pay they can, attach an asset, bank accounts, property, etc. garnish your wages. Report it to the credit rating bureau's. It depends on how many hoops they want to jump through to get the money. OJ has never satisfied his civil judgment.
2007-03-23 09:58:38 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Get an attorney. You are not entitled to a court-appointed attorney in a civil matter. If a judgment is entered, you will have to pay. That means that your bank account could be levied ($$ taken), your wages could be garnished, and a lien could be filed against any property that you might own. Not a good position to be in!
2007-03-23 09:45:59 · answer #3 · answered by Charlie L 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If he gets a judgment against you then you have to pay. Usually you can set up a payment plan with the court. However, I urge you to contact legal aid groups in your area. You may qualify for civil legal aid. Ask the court clerk. He or she should be able to give you the phone numbers of various agencies that do pro bono or discounted legal aid. All states have at least one organization that is devoted solely to civil legal aid, and there are income requirements to be met.
2007-03-23 09:45:24 · answer #4 · answered by cyanne2ak 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
First, I would say, get an attorney. And if this person has a solid case against you, you will end up having to pay whatever the judge says.
2007-03-23 09:40:10 · answer #5 · answered by nwest1999 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you do not pay the judgement, he can file a lien against your house or any other property you might own. If you still do not pay, he can have that property sold at sheriff's auction, and the proceeds will be used to pay the debt.
2007-03-23 09:45:08 · answer #6 · answered by cross-stitch kelly 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Find a lawyer who will represent you for free, if money is an issue for you. One should always seek legal counsel when being sued. It helps protect your rights too.
2007-03-23 09:45:01 · answer #7 · answered by Shortstuff13 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
You have to pay what the judgement is.
2007-03-23 09:39:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
you can have your bank accounts siezed, you can lose personal property, and you can have your future wages garnished. you should hire a lawyer.
2007-03-23 10:49:05 · answer #9 · answered by michael q 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
well for one thing if you dont have an attorney the court will provide one for you, and for your question, if he were to win the case then you would have to pay the amount stated.
2007-03-23 09:40:09 · answer #10 · answered by tcoe4 1 · 0⤊ 6⤋