Can My Creditors Get Me Arrested If I Don’t Pay Them

Your creditors cannot have you arrested for failing to pay civil debts. Civil debts include credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, payday loans, deficiencies on automobile repossessions, deficiencies on foreclosures of real estate, etc.

If you owe money for criminal restitution, probation fees, or any other criminal fines or costs, you could potentially go to jail for not paying these types of debts.

You could also go to jail for violating a civil court order. For example, you are ordered to pay child support but you do not pay. The recipient of the child support goes to the family court and asks for a hearing. If you are ordered to appear at the hearing and you do not show up, you could be held in contempt and a warrant could be issued for your arrest.

If your creditor receives a judgment on a debt you owe and has difficulty collecting from you, your creditor could ask the court to order you to appear for what is known as a Creditors Examination to answer questions about your assets and your income. If you are ordered to appear at a Creditor’s Examination and you do not show up, you could be held in contempt and a warrant could be issued for your arrest.

The above information is a general overview and is not intended to be used as legal advice. If you are considering filing for bankruptcy, the best thing to do is call our office at 248-557-3645 and schedule a free consultation so you can receive advice which is tailored to your specific circumstances.