Q: Can a mechanic shop charge me storage of a vehicle and put a lien on my vehicle while I was on federal jury duty?

A: Every circumstance is unique, thus even if you're worried about being charged storage costs and having a lien placed on your car while on federal jury service, you should see an attorney to evaluate the particular facts of your case. Still, these are some broad issues:

Mechanic shops do have the right, in many states, to demand storage fees and lien a car on outstanding repair costs. Should a bill go unpaid, they could be entitled to retain the car until the debt is paid off or pursue additional legal action to recoupment of the expenses. States have different specific laws for mechanic's liens, hence you need verify the laws in your state or speak with an attorney to find out whether the shop behaved legally.

Federal Jury Duty Protections: Although federal jury duty does not usually shield you from having your car liened for unpaid payments, it could provide a legitimate basis for you to contest the storage fees or time frame. Your attorney can assist you ascertain whether any legal protections or reasonable concessions should apply in this circumstance should your jury duty requirements prevent you from picking up the vehicle or making payment.

See a Consumer Rights or Auto Law Attorney. You should see an attorney who specializes in consumer rights or auto repair legislation as your issue is possible incorrect charges and a lien on your car. Given your federal jury service status, they can go over the specifics of your circumstances and assist in deciding whether the activities of the mechanic shop were legal.

Review the conditions of your repair agreement, should you have signed one with the shop, about liens or storage costs. Your lawyer can look over this contract to determine whether the shop was entitled to charge you for storage and whether lien timing or notice was handled correctly.

Every case is different, hence engaging with an attorney to investigate your choices and the specifics of mechanic's lien regulations in your state can allow you to see how best to proceed.