QUESTION
If I used a bondsman to bail someone out of jail but I still owe them money, can I go to jail for non-payment?
Asked on Jul 21st, 2012 on Bankruptcy - New Jersey
More details to this question:
I bailed my brother out of jail through bondsman and he was previously a federal prisoner. The fed didn't get info in the system before I actually got him out so a couple days later they came back to get him and I had already paid my money to he bondsman but I still owe $400. Can I go to jail for non payment?
6 ANSWERS
Family Attorney serving Henderson, NV
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Harris, Yug & Ohlinger
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Not jail, but you can pay big fees to the bondsman including loss of any property they have a lien against.
Answered on Aug 15th, 2012 at 4:48 PM
Litigation Attorney serving Westland, MI
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Clos, Russell & Wirth, P.C.
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There are no debtor prisons in Michigan or the rest of the United States for that matter.
Answered on Aug 15th, 2012 at 4:48 PM
Dennis P. Mikko
You probably will not go to jail for non-payment but it is a debt that will need to be satisfied. The bondsman could collect on any collateral you pledged or sue you for the balance due.
Answered on Aug 15th, 2012 at 4:48 PM
Appellate Attorney serving Grosse Pointe Farms, MI
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Musilli Brennan Associates, PLLC
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I need more facts. If the bondsman never actually was put at risk for your brother's possible flight then, depending on the contract you signed, may be entitled to a refund, in part to total. Also, generally, you cannot be jailed for the failure to pay a civil debt. Call an attorney with specifics and an firm opinion.
Answered on Aug 15th, 2012 at 4:48 PM
Bankruptcy Law Attorney serving Huntington Woods, MI
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Austin Hirschhorn, P.C.
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Non payment of debt is not punishable by jail. I assume you signed some documents with the bondsman and he could sue you on the debt and possibly foreclose on any security that was given for the bond. That would require legal action on the bondsman's part and you would have to be served with the suit papers.
Answered on Aug 10th, 2012 at 1:57 PM
Bankruptcy Law Attorney serving Livingston, NJ
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Law Office of Stuart M. Nachbar, P.C.
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Yes, you can
Answered on Aug 10th, 2012 at 1:27 PM