Legal Question in Administrative Law in California

library charged me 120$ in fees although i returned all the materials 100%, but was somewhat late perhaps with some of them. Will I go to jail if I, as an unemployed student, dont have that kind of money at the moment, and what can i do to resolve it? I just received a threatening letter from treasurer department promising to start legal proceedings against me if i dont submit the fine in full and in person in 5 days, thanks


Asked on 8/12/10, 3:30 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Bryan Whipple Bryan R. R. Whipple, Attorney at Law

Debtor's prison was abolished 300 years ago. People don't go to jail for not paying their bills, and so-called library "fines" are not true fines, they are just rental charges. I would appear in person at the time and place where you are supposed to pay, and explain that you don't have the money and therefore cannot pay, but you don't contest the amount nor your liability. It would make no sense for the library to sue over $120 if you don't have it anyway, and have no income. Your library privileges will be suspended and your credit rating, if you have one, may be affected.

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Answered on 8/17/10, 3:47 pm


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