The Story of James Robinson

Hey Woodman,

Yup! Here is what happens.

If your Bank or Other Paper holder can’t get their hands on the car, they will petition a judge for a summary judgment. That means that they can produce enough evidence that you have no intention to make a car payment. The cars possession reverts to them and they report the car as stolen and list you as the most likely subject. Police come and visit you and then obtain a search warrant for your property. The car is entered on the police computer system as stolen, you are listed as the primary suspect.

Bank or Other paper-holder take you to court, they will obtain a judgment against you and attempt to collect by garnisheeing your paychecks, your 401k (or other retirement savings that you may have), attach any property and put liens on future Tax refunds. They enter a forfeiture against you (same as a re-possession) on the Credit Reporting agencies computers, plus the judgment by the court.

If you are caught trying to sell or drive the car in the future, you can be arrested and charged with Auto Theft and Possession with intent to sell (City Prosecutor, Bank has no say so). You will probably do time, still have to pay off the judgment and will still be without a car!

It’s one of the few times in U.S. law that you can be charged with double jeopardy (Being penalized 2X’s for the same crime), but the courts see it differently. The First matter is held in Civil Court, the Second matter is held in Criminal Court. (It’s O.J. Simpson, in reverse!).

Do yourself a big favor. Either turn the car in (In the best condition you can and at least make arrangements for a friend to buy the car back at auction) or try to make arrangements with the Paper holder to get current or at least satisfactory with them.

They don’t want your old car back!

Good Luck to you Man!

James in San Diego

Worst cars ever made?