Arrested Over Real Estate Debt?

Most people are aware that there is no debtor’s prison in America. Simply owing someone money, outside the realm of criminal activity, will not land you in jail. For example, if you fall behind on your credit card bills, you may eventually be summonsed to court to be ordered to make restitution, but you will not be charged with a crime and arrested.

That may not be the case if you owe money to real estate owner (and husband of Ivanka Trump) Jared Kushner in Maryland. Several media outlets have reported that Kushner started conducting business in the state in 2013. Since then, he has been the most aggressive pursuer of body attachment. It’s a debt-collection method that allows a landlord to ask a judge to order the arrest of people who fail to appear in civil court for unpaid rent.

Since 2013, Kushner has had 20 former tenants arrested and detained. More than half of those people have filed bankruptcy in order to avoid arrest. Kushner Cos. owns 17 apartment complexes in Maryland, earning approximately $30 million each year in profit. In just over three years, the company has secured judgments against 1,250 tenants and former tenants.

If you need assistance with a commercial real estate issue in Columbia or Howard County, reach out to Fred L. Coover. Mr. Coover is an experienced real estate attorney dealing in construction law, land use and zoning. He can assist you when you need it most. Call today to schedule your case evaluation and discover more about your legal rights.

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