STRUGGLING WITH BUSINESS DEBT? VISIT DELANCEY STREET – THEIR DEBT RELIEF PROGRAM WORKS. CLICK HERE NOW

MCA Defense Lawyers Business Debt Settlement

Merchant cash advance (MCA) loans have become an increasingly popular way for small businesses to access quick financing. However, some MCA lenders engage in predatory practices that can leave business owners saddled with crushing debt. If you find yourself facing aggressive collections or even threats of criminal charges from an MCA lender, working with an experienced defense lawyer can help protect your rights.

The Risks of MCA Loans

Merchant cash advances provide businesses with lump sums of cash in exchange for a percentage of future credit card sales. Unlike traditional small business loans, MCAs don’t require a strong credit score or consistent revenue. This makes them enticing for struggling companies.However, MCA loans often come with exorbitantly high interest rates and fees that are not clearly disclosed upfront. Some companies will present an MCA as a purchase of future receivables rather than a loan in order to avoid usury laws.If your business hits a slow period and can’t keep up with daily repayments, MCA lenders may:

• Impose late fees and penalties that increase your debt
• Freeze or seize your bank accounts
• Send threatening calls and letters from attorneys
• File criminal complaints accusing you of fraud or theft

This kind of aggressive debt collection is illegal. Unfortunately, authorities rarely prosecute unscrupulous MCA lenders. Working with an attorney who understands MCA laws in your state is key to effectively fighting back.

Four Defense Strategies Against Predatory MCA Lenders

If you are facing harassment, lawsuits, or even criminal charges from an MCA lender, here are four potential defenses to explore with a lawyer:

1. Challenge the MCA Agreement Terms

Many MCA contracts contain confusing legalese and hidden fees. In some cases, essential terms like the interest rate or total repayment amount are missing altogether.

• An attorney can review your agreement to spot prohibited clauses or disclosure failures that may invalidate the contract. Getting the agreement voided can relieve you of having to pay debts that were deceptively accrued.

2. Assert Unfair Lending Practices

Most states have laws prohibiting predatory lending tactics by MCA companies:

• Excessive interest rates may violate usury statutes
• Misrepresenting an MCA as a purchase rather than a loan could constitute fraud
• Harassing collection practices may break consumer protection laws

Your lawyer can send cease and desist letters citing applicable laws. They can also negotiate settlements or bring counterclaims to have illegal loan balances dismissed.

3. Claim Unconscionability

If an MCA lender has clearly taken advantage of your financial desperation or lack of legal sophistication, courts may rule the agreement “unconscionable.” This makes the contract unenforceable.Factors like hiding key terms in fine print, refusing to explain fees, and imposing unreasonable default rates can show unconscionability. Your attorney will gather evidence on unethical business practices to invalidate the debt.

4. Fight Back Against Criminal Charges

Some MCA lenders will falsely accuse business owners of theft or fraud when they get behind on payments. They may even work with local prosecutors to have criminal charges brought.If you are facing arrest or prosecution, you need legal representation immediately. A defense lawyer can get charges dismissed by showing the MCA agreement was predatory and no actual crime occurred. In cases of wrongful arrest, civil rights lawsuits against the lender may be possible.

Choosing the Right MCA Defense Attorney

Fighting an aggressive MCA lender takes experience. When selecting a lawyer, you want to look for:

• Deep knowledge of MCA laws – Predatory merchant cash advance tactics often occupy a legal gray area. Not all attorneys fully grasp the nuances involved. Look for specialists with a proven track record in MCA cases.
• Willingness to take a stand – Some lawyers may urge you to settle rather than engage in a lengthy court battle. Make sure to choose a firm that is prepared to aggressively counterclaim rather than merely defend.
• Resources to match large lenders – MCA companies have deep pockets and will spare no expense on legal teams and collections efforts. You need an attorney with the staffing and financial backing to go toe-to-toe if necessary.

Understanding the terms of your MCA agreement and the laws in your jurisdiction is crucial. Connect with a qualified lawyer for a free case review to discuss the best strategies for your situation. With the right legal guidance, you can resist intimidation tactics and fight back against predatory lenders.

Common Legal Defenses Against Debt Lawsuits

If an MCA lender does take you to court over unpaid balances, all hope is not lost. Procedural flaws in the lawsuit itself often provide opportunities to have the case dismissed.Some potential defenses include:

• Improper service – If you were not properly served notice of the lawsuit, the court cannot enter a judgment.
• Expired statute of limitations – Debt lawsuits must be filed within a certain number of years dictated by state law.
• No written contract – Without a signed agreement proving you owe the debt, the lender may lack standing.
• Incorrect plaintiff – If the party suing does not actually own the debt, the suit is defective.

Discussing all possible defenses with your lawyer in a free consultation is key. Even debts that are legitimately owed can potentially get cases tossed on technicalities.

Using Bankruptcy to Eliminate MCA Debt

Filing for bankruptcy can provide struggling business owners with a fresh financial start. Both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies allow for the discharge of qualifying business debts.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidates eligible assets to pay creditors. Any remaining unpaid debts, including those from MCA loans, are discharged.However, MCA lenders often fight to have their balances declared “non-dischargeable” in Chapter 7 cases. They argue that misrepresenting future credit card sales constitutes fraud.Experienced bankruptcy lawyers can dispute those arguments and advocate for full MCA debt discharge. They also work to shield important business assets like commercial real estate from liquidation.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Chapter 13 allows you to keep operating your business while repaying a portion of debts over 3 to 5 years. This can ease cash flow issues stemming from burdensome MCA payments.Your lawyer will help negotiate reduced interest rates and payment plans on MCA loans through the Chapter 13 process. In some cases, having the full balance discharged may even be possible.Getting timely bankruptcy advice is key for small business owners. In addition to halting creditor harassment, it can eliminate the debt burdens preventing your company from thriving.

Finding the Right Business Bankruptcy Lawyer

Navigating the complex bankruptcy code and contending with aggressive MCA lenders requires top-notch legal guidance. Here are tips for finding the best attorney:

• Look for multi-disciplinary expertise – The lawyer should have experience with bankruptcy, commercial litigation, and debt collection defense. This enables fighting on multiple fronts.
• Prioritize local knowledge – State bankruptcy exemption laws vary significantly. Understanding the unique local rules and courts is vital.
• Discuss upfront costs – While bankruptcy legal fees are generally discharged along with other debts, some initial payment is required to commence cases. Be clear on total costs.
• Compare track records – When vetting lawyers, look for specific examples of previous cases where substantial MCA debts were successfully discharged.
• Consider boutique firms – While large national firms have name recognition, smaller practices often provide superior focus and customization.

Don’t let fears about lawyer fees or damage to your credit dissuade you from considering bankruptcy. In many instances, it can literally save a business from collapse while resolving crippling MCA debt burdens.

Settlement Strategies: Alternatives to Bankruptcy

Some business owners worried about the impacts of bankruptcy on their credit rating or operations prefer to avoid it. In these situations, structuring a settlement with MCA lenders may be possible.Working with an experienced lawyer to negotiate debt relief can yield favorable outcomes like:

• Penalty waivers – Getting late fees, over limit charges, and default rate hikes removed
• Principal reductions – Partial loan forgiveness to decrease the total owed
• Favorable repayments – Extending lengths, reducing payments, lowering interest rates
• Warranties against future harassment – Binding agreements prohibiting further collection efforts

The leverage to secure such settlements comes from highlighting legal flaws in MCA contracts. Even if going to court over them remains risky, the possibility is enough to bring many lenders to the table.That said, out-of-court compromises do require you to repay a portion of the balances owed. For some businesses, clearing MCA debt completely through bankruptcy remains the preferable option. Discussing the pros and cons of each strategy with legal counsel is key.

Finding the Right Insolvency Practice

Whether pursuing bankruptcy or settlement, connecting with the top insolvency attorneys in your area is critical for resolving MCA debt nightmares.When researching lawyers, you want to look for:1. Specialized Expertise

• In-depth experience with both business and consumer insolvency law
• Specific track record dealing with MCA creditors
• Staff includes financial analysts for navigating business assets/liabilities

2. Boutique Culture

• Smaller practice focused exclusively on insolvency proceedings
• Limited caseloads enable customized legal strategies
• Senior lawyers personally handle all aspects of cases

3. Compassionate Counsel

• Attentive advisers who relate to client distress
• Commitment to achieving most favorable financial outcomes
• Guidance on recovering from personal/professional crises

4. Accessible Pricing

• Fees sized appropriately for clients facing financial hardship
• Free consultations and payment plans available
• Legal costs dischargeable in bankruptcy

When crippled by MCA loan repayments, the damage can extend beyond just finances. The unrelenting collections pressure also takes immense psychological and physical tolls.The right insolvency law team provides multifaceted support—leveraging legal expertise, accounting insight, and compassionate counsel. They can help guide you through the darkness into the light of a fresh financial start.

Defending Against MCA Fraud Charges

Facing criminal accusations can be the most frightening and stressful scenario when MCA loan disputes turn extreme. Some lenders pursue trumped up fraud or theft charges as a heavy-handed collections tactic.They may falsely claim that signing the MCA agreement with no intent to repay constitutes illegal deception. Or they argue that falling behind on payments equates to stealing the loan principal.To execute these schemes, predatory lenders befriend prosecutors and encourage the filing of unwarranted charges against borrowers. But with an experienced criminal defense lawyer, you can fight back against this abusive practice.

Challenging Predatory Lender Relationships

A zealous advocate will work to expose improper relationships between MCA firms and district attorneys. They may uncover:

• MCA employees donating to DA election campaigns
• DA staff getting regular guest lectures from MCA companies
• Investigators getting treated to lavish dinners by MCA executives

Demonstrating this kind of potential conflict of interest can undermine criminal cases. Judges may force prosecuting attorneys to recuse themselves from matters involving major campaign contributors or close associates.

Attacking Faulty Fraud Arguments

The core premise behind bogus MCA fraud charges is that borrowers deceive lenders and never intend on repayment. But skillful defense lawyers can eviscerate this argument in court.They will present evidence like:

• Detailed financial records showing years of steady loan payments
• Attempts to negotiate modified repayment plans before default
• Personal sacrifices made trying to keep the business afloat

This helps substantiate that you fully intended to satisfy loan terms until extenuating circumstances made it impossible. No real fraud exists without deceitful intent.

Having Charges Dismissed

By highlighting abuses of power and lack of criminal intent, attorneys can typically get baseless MCA fraud charges tossed. At that point, pursuing civil damages for malicious prosecution against the predatory lender also becomes possible.With the nightmare of possible jail time eliminated, negotiating a civil settlement is often a far less frightening proposition. Having skilled counsel in your corner can transform a position of weakness into one of real strength.Predatory MCA lending tactics erode the integrity of America’s criminal justice system. When profit motives and corporate greed infect district attorneys’ offices, defending liberty requires fighting back. By exposing this corruption, we can work toward systemic reforms.

Key Takeaways

• Merchant cash advances seem enticing but often involve predatory lending practices that trap owners in debt cycles.
• Unscrupulous MCA companies may use harassment tactics, lawsuits, and even false criminal charges to collect.
• Working with defense lawyers experienced in MCA cases is critical for protecting your rights.
• Possible strategies include challenging contract terms, asserting lending violations, claiming unconscionability, and fighting criminal accusations.
• Declaring MCA debt dischargeable in bankruptcy or negotiating settlements are potential resolution avenues to discuss with counsel.
• Specialized insolvency and criminal defense attorneys can help strategically respond to unlawful collections activities.

With the right legal help, you can avoid getting bullied and instead stand up to unethical MCA lenders. Protecting your business and defending your freedom starts with reaching out to a dedicated advocate ready to fight on your behalf. You have power—it’s time to reclaim it.