Several people have contacted me recently asking whether they could be sent to jail for not paying their debts or for filing bankruptcy.
Apparently, creditors or bill collectors have told these people that they could be criminally charged and face jail time for not paying their bills or for filing bankruptcy.
Lies, lies, lies. Nothing but lies and scare tactics.
The Oklahoma Constitution provides that “Imprisonment for debt is prohibited, except for the non-payment of fines and penalties imposed for the violation of law.” Okla.Const. art. 2, § 13.
Failing to pay a civil debt is not a crime. However, failing to pay alimony or child support can result in incarceration. As can committing fraud to avoid paying debts.
And filing bankruptcy isn’t a crime either. Actually it’s a legal right provided by federal law.
Lastly, the only crime being committed here is by the creditor or bill collector who is using unfair, deceptive and illegal methods to collect a debt. Each day seems to bring another story of a state Attorney General’s office investigating or suing a collection agency because it threatened consumers with arrest if they didn’t pay their overdue bills. Some debt collectors have even been convicted of routinely impersonating attorneys and police officers as a part of their illegal collection activity.
If you’re struggling with debt problems and would like to know more about how bankruptcy may be able to help you, contact Dan Nunley today by completing the “Contact Dan” form on the right side of this page. I’ll get back in touch with you as soon as I can to schedule a FREE initial telephone consultation. I would count it a privilege to be able to visit with you in a relaxed and confidential environment where I’ll answer all of your questions in plain English and give you the straight scoop on the pros and cons of bankruptcy as related to your specific situation.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Mr. Nunley, I would just like to tell you that you have the most informative website regarding bankruptcy information I have found. I searched for 2 days extensively for the answers to the questions I had. You answered every question I had simply by reading the information above. Thank you for being so informative and making everything clear for me.