Can I go to jail for not paying any notes on the new car I bought?

Full question:

I bought a used car then lost my job so, I never made a payment except for the down payment. I am behind 8 months in payments. I was told there was a warrant out for me. Can I go to jail for not making the payments? Can I voluntarily take the car back to the car lot? If I take the car back, will I be out of trouble?

Answer:

It is a matter of contract terms and dealer policy whether they will let you return the car, but inability to pay alone isn't an excuse to rescind a contract. Generally, a person cannot be jailed solely for failure to pay a debt.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

If you lose your job and can't pay your car, first communicate with your lender. They may offer options like deferment or a payment plan. Consider returning the car to the dealer, but check your contract for any penalties. Additionally, explore local resources for financial assistance or job placement services.