[karaph]

I've been reading through these threads looking for help, and I'm shocked to read that it is possibly a crime to move a car out of state if it's in danger of being repossessed.

A couple of years ago, I used one of those title-pawn dealers to get some extra cash when I was in a crunch. Eventually I had to file for bankruptcy, but that fell through and the loan was not paid off. This all happened in GA, and I am on assignment out of state. GA is still my state of residence, though I am getting ready to change it to South Carolina.

Since the bankruptcy fell through (I was unable to meet the monthly payments and it was dismissed last year) I have been paying back several of my creditors. I have not yet been in touch with the title-pawn people, nor have I received any contact from them.

Now it is time to renew my tag and I don't know what to do. I was getting ready to contact the title-pawn people this week but reading these threads talking about moving a car out of state has scared me. I have not intentionally hidden my car from repossession. I am legitimately on short-term assignments in different states. My home address is no longer the same as it was when I initiated the loan, but up until January I have left valid forwarding addresses with the post office.

Should I contact the title-pawn people, or do I need to hire an attorney first. I'm so scared that I'm going to be arrested.

[elorei]

How much was the pawn amount, how long did you make timely payments on it, how long ago did you default (stop paying), and what year/model/make is the car?

I seriosuly doubt you need a lawyer for any of this. Yes, in GA, "hiding" collateral can land you an arrest warrant, however, I have only seen one person actually arrested for this, and I have dealt with many defaulted loans.

Depending on what you owe, the value of the car, and how long you actually made payments, many title pawns will just write you off, if you paid for at least 5 months, they are not actually losing money, just time. They will most likely be willing to take a lesser amaount as a payment, it is better than nothing. And nothing is what they will get for pursuing this criminally.