Can I go to jail for not being able to pay if I am sued?

Question

I am being sued by a rental company for a laptop that was stolen out of my home. I have already spent 8 days in jail, been through a 4 month court process, and provided them with the police report, and the criminal charges were dropped. Now they;re saying since the police report says the back door was unlocked, my insurance doesn't cover it, and they are suing me. I didn't have a key to the home, and my roommate said the door was locked, I believed him. My question is, if they win the case, will I go to jail for not paying them? I have no income or assets.

Answer 1

Yes!!!  

Have police check out your roommate & his friends!!!!

Answer 2

No there is no debtor's jail. There should be though, for all the people that have ripped me off.  

Answer 3

no.  this is a civil case, not criminal. but contempt of court is a criminal violation and CAN get you put in jail.  if you lose, the court may allow the rental company to place a lien or judgement against your assets/future assets.

it will probably affect your credit rating.

no matter what, the computer was in your possession and you were responsible for making sure it was secured.  (in turn, you could sue your roommate)

i advise you to just call the rental co and offer to make payments on the item.

Answer 4

Something doesn't add here. Why did you spend 8 days in jail? No they can't jail you over a  debt.