The Serious Consequences of Avoiding a Process Server

If a process server is looking for you, whether you’re the defendant in a case or just a witness, you may think that avoiding them is a way to get out of having to appear in court. Unfortunately for you, avoiding a process server will only get you into more trouble with the court system.

Want an almost guaranteed way to lose a court case or be charged with contempt? Just avoid the process server. Judges do not like their schedules being constantly changed due to delays caused by you avoiding service. Some of the serious consequences you may deal with if you evade service include:

Default Judgement

If it is proven that you are intentionally evading the process server, the judge may issue a default judgment for the plaintiff. A default judgment means that the plaintiff wins their case, and as the losing party, you must pay whatever fines, restitution, and damages the judge deems that you owe.

Extra Costs

Each service attempt by a process server accumulates extra fees, plus additional court and attorney costs related to rescheduling dates. If the judge feels that you are maliciously evading the process server, they will likely make you responsible for paying any extra costs associated with the delays. This includes paying extra attorney fees for the plaintiff as well!

Contempt of Court

In addition to issuing a default judgment for the plaintiff, the judge in the case can also charge you with contempt of court for avoiding the process server, delaying court proceedings, and disrespecting the authority of the court system. Contempt of court charges can lead to hefty fines and even jail time!

Reputation Damage

You may end up doing some major damage control for your personal and professional reputation if the wrong people find out you are avoiding a process server. Not only will nosy family members and coworkers want to know why there will inevitably be rumors spread that can lead to long-term repercussions for your life.

Avoiding the Process Server Isn’t Worth It

If you have a pending legal matter and know that a process server is trying to find you, do everyone a favor, including yourself, and accept the process maturely and without hesitation. No matter what measures you take to avoid a process server, you will ultimately have to handle the issue. The only thing evasion does is add time, cost, and frustration to the case, or in a worst case scenario, even land you in jail.