Are You a Military Service Member Facing Financial or Consumer Issues in Texas?
The legal team at Cannon Legal PLLC is proud to serve the men and women of our Armed Forces who serve our country. When you are focused on your mission, you should not have to worry about predatory lenders, aggressive debt collectors, or unfair business practices back home in Texas.
We are committed to defending your rights and ensuring you receive the special protections afforded to you under federal and Texas law, including the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and the Military Lending Act (MLA).
The Challenges Texas Service Members Face
Deployment, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, and the unique circumstances of military life can make you a target for those who seek to take advantage. We are here to help you fight back against challenges like:
- Predatory Loans: Dealing with high-interest loans, such as payday or auto title loans, that may violate the Military Lending Act (MLA), which caps interest rates at 36% MAPR for active-duty Service Members and their dependents.
- Abusive Debt Collection: Harassment from debt collectors, especially those who threaten your military career or contact your commanding officer, a practice which is illegal under the FDCPA and TDCA.
- High Interest Rates: Struggling to pay pre-service loans with high interest, and being unsure how to obtain the 6% interest rate cap you are entitled to under the SCRA.
- Lease Terminations: Needing to break an apartment or auto lease without penalty due to active duty, deployment, or PCS orders.
- Unlawful Foreclosure: Facing foreclosure on a home or storage unit without a proper court order while you are on active duty or shortly thereafter.
- Unfair Sales Practices: Being misled on auto purchase contracts, predatory car financing, or scams involving promised “military discounts”.
How Cannon Legal PLLC Protects Your Rights
Our experienced consumer law attorneys can provide the legal support you need to assert your rights and hold bad actors accountable. We can assist by:
- Enforcing the SCRA 6% Cap: We can draft and send the necessary requests to creditors to ensure your pre-service debts are capped at the legal maximum interest rate of 6%.
- Combatting MLA Violations: We will review your loan documents to identify potential violations of the 36% MAPR cap and help you void agreements that break the law.
- Stopping Harassing Collectors: We will send cease and desist letters to debt collectors to immediately stop harassing communications and take legal action for violations of the FDCPA and Texas law.
- Facilitating Lease Termination: We can assist with the legal process to terminate residential or vehicle leases due to your military orders, in accordance with the SCRA and Texas Property Code.
- Protecting Your Property: We advise on the protections against foreclosure and can help petition the court for a stay of civil proceedings if your military duty materially affects your ability to participate.
- Filing Legal Claims: When necessary, we are prepared to represent you in court in Texas state or federal court to pursue claims under the SCRA, MLA, DTPA, and TDCA.
Our Goal: To ensure your focus remains on your duty while we handle your consumer law issues. We honor your service and are dedicated to providing clear, effective legal guidance.
Texas Service Members Debt Collection FAQ’s
If your loan (like a mortgage, auto loan, or credit card) was obtained before your period of active duty, the SCRA allows you to request the interest rate be capped at 6% for the duration of your service. You must provide written notice and a copy of your military orders to the lender.
No. It is a violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and the Texas Debt Collection Act (TDCA) for a debt collector to contact your chain of command regarding your personal debts. This is considered unlawful harassment.
The MLA is a federal law that protects active-duty Service Members, their spouses, and certain dependents from predatory lending by placing a 36% Military Annual Percentage Rate (MAPR) cap on many types of consumer credit.
The SCRA is a federal law providing numerous legal and financial protections to active-duty military personnel, including the National Guard and Reserves on active duty. Key protections include the 6% interest rate cap, the right to terminate leases, and protection against default judgments and foreclosures.
