Expert: Robin Sexton - 8/13/2009

Question
Hi my name is tom. I was wondering i live in ny. I rented 2 game consoles from rent a center. I got behind on my bills and i sold the stuff i was renting at ren a center to pay my bills. My question is can i serve jail time for doing this?

Answer
Tom,

Technically yes.  I presume in the New York Statutes that part of the penalty COULD BE a jail sentence. However in reality there are a lot of other factors that need to be looked at.  Prior record is probably the biggest. However truthfully it is doubtfull that this will make it to a criminal court. You have a contact with Rant a center and are responsible for paying.  This would be handled civilly in most jurisdictions.  Review your contract with rent a center.Do what you can to save up some money.  Contact them and let them know the items are gone and work out how much to settle the contract.

Good luck

robin