At Accurate Serve®, a leading process service agency serving Tampa Bay, we have witnessed individuals and businesses make a critical mistake: rejecting the process being served to them. In this post, we will discuss the potential consequences of ignoring or avoiding legal processes, emphasizing costly delays, default judgments, and the possibility of facing criminal charges of contempt. It is essential to understand the importance of accepting and responding to legal processes promptly.
Costly Delays
Rejecting the process being served to you can result in significant delays in legal proceedings. By doing so, you prolong the resolution of the case, causing both parties involved to experience unnecessary expenses and time-consuming procedures. Additionally, refusing to accept service may not make the underlying issue go away. Instead, it could escalate matters further and increase the potential financial burden on you.
Default Judgments
One of the most significant risks of rejecting the legal process is the possibility of a default judgment being entered against you. A default judgment occurs when the court grants a judgment in favor of the plaintiff because the defendant failed to respond or appear in court. By avoiding service or failing to respond to the legal documents properly, you effectively forfeit your opportunity to present your case or defend yourself, leading to an unfavorable ruling by default.
Default judgments can have severe consequences, such as financial liability, loss of property, or damage to your reputation. They are difficult to overturn and can affect your credit rating or ability to secure loans in the future. It is crucial to take any legal process seriously and respond appropriately to protect your rights and interests.
Criminal Charges
Ignoring or avoiding legal processes can lead to the potential of facing criminal charges of contempt. Contempt of court refers to any deliberate disregard or disobedience of the court’s authority or its orders. If a judge determines that you knowingly and maliciously avoided or ignored process, you may be found in contempt, which can result in fines, imprisonment, or both.
Courts view contemptuous behavior as a serious offense, as it undermines the integrity and authority of the judicial system. It is in your best interest to cooperate with the process server and follow the proper legal procedures to avoid any unnecessary legal consequences.
Your Best Bet is to Always Cooperate With a Process Server
Rejecting the process being served to you is not a wise decision, regardless of the circumstances. By accepting and responding to legal documents promptly, you can protect your rights, present your case, and avoid unnecessary complications.
At Accurate Serve®, we understand the importance of efficient and reliable process service. Our team of dedicated professionals ensures that legal documents are served accurately, promptly, and in accordance with the law. Remember, cooperation is key when it comes to legal matters, and by working together, we can navigate the legal process effectively and ensure a fair and just outcome. For more information on Florida’s service of process procedures, call us at (863) 873-6691 or email Accurate Serve®’s founder, Beau Charlet, at [email protected].
