What Happens if I Avoid a Process Server?
Someone has filed a complaint against you, and now a process server is on your tail. Thinking about avoiding them to stop the case from moving forward?
Think again!
The only thing avoiding a process server will do is prolong the case process and almost guarantee that you’ll lose. Judges do not appreciate process evaders, and their judgements reflect such.
Just a few of the consequences you may face if you choose to evade service include:
Default judgement
Even if you never receive the process for the case due to evasion, and you never step one foot into the courtroom, the judge can still issue what’s known as a default judgment. A default judgment basically means that the plaintiff wins their case because you refused to respond, and you will be responsible for the damages or money they claimed you owed, plus any extra court fees.
Increased costs
When a case party avoids the process server and multiple service attempts are made, the fees from both the server and their attorney begin to add up. Fines and additional court costs may also be imposed on you for holding up the case!
Criminal charges
Judges are within their rights to charge parties avoiding the process server with contempt of court for holding up the legal process and disrespecting the authority of the court system! If convicted of contempt of court, you could be facing fines and even jail time.
Reputation damage
There’s not many things more embarrassing than a process server showing up at your work, speaking with your boss, and pinning you down because you’ve been avoiding being served at home. This could lead to career-ruining damage to your professional reputation, along with disappointment and mistrust from professional and personal contacts.
It’s just not worth the risk!
There is no getting out of a case just by ignoring the server or actively hiding as the state of Florida allows for alternative service methods to deal with evasive case parties. Not to mention that when you’re dealing with an experienced process server, like those here at Accurate Serve® in Ft. Myers, it’s only a matter of time before they find you. If you know a process server is looking for you, do yourself and everyone else involved in the case a favor and graciously accept the documents, contact an attorney, and handle the case.