Can you be arrested for owing money to a small business?
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Can you be arrested for owing money to a small business?
Asked on August 12, 2012 under Business Law, Iowa
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
It depends on the following:
1) You borrowed money, purchased an item, or had the business perform work (etc.) in good faith, intending to pay or repay; however, since then, circumstances have arisen that prevent payment. This is not a crime, since you had no criminal intent (called "mens rea"); therefore, while you could be sued for the money, you could not face criminal liability.
2) You incurred the debt in bad faith, intending to not pay--that is a criminal act. Or you paid with a check you knew was bad at the time you issued it--that is also a crime. In these case, since you had criminal intent, you could face criminal liability.
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