Protect Your Vehicle & Your Rights

Deceptive loan terms and wrongful repossessions shouldn’t run you off the road. We help Utah consumers hold auto lenders accountable and resolve deficiency disputes.

Facing Legal Action from Merchants Preferred Lease Purchase Services? Know Your Rights in Utah.

When you enter into a lease-purchase agreement for a vehicle, you expect transparency and fair dealing. However, many Utah consumers find themselves trapped in complex contracts involving Merchants Preferred Lease Purchase Services, only to face aggressive collection efforts or repossession tactics. At Cannon Legal PLLC, we provide experienced representation for those navigating the complexities of auto issues and predatory lending disputes.

If you are being pursued by a creditor or are facing a deficiency balance after a vehicle repossession, you have legal rights under both state and federal law. Our firm works to hold creditors accountable to these standards.

Common Pitfalls in Utah Auto Financing

The transition from a car purchase to a lease-purchase agreement is often fraught with irregularities. Our experienced legal team frequently reviews cases involving these major issues:

Hidden Fees and Yo-Yo Financing

Dealerships sometimes engage in “packing,” where undisclosed fees for GAP insurance, nitrogen-filled tires, or VIN etching are added to your balance. Furthermore, “Yo-Yo financing”—where a dealer claims financing fell through weeks after you leave the lot to force you into a higher interest rate—is a tactic we rigorously examine for violations of the Utah Consumer Sales Practices Act.

Wrongful Repossession and Breach of the Peace

Under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Article 9, repossession agents in Utah must maintain the “peace.” They cannot use physical force, threaten you, or ignore a clear, peaceful objection to the repossession. If a repossession was conducted unlawfully, the creditor may be barred from collecting a deficiency balance.

Deficiency Balances and Commercial Reasonableness

If your vehicle was repossessed, the lender is required by law to send a proper Notice of Sale. The vehicle must be sold in a “commercially reasonable” manner. If the creditor fails to follow these procedural requirements, they may have forfeited their right to seek a deficiency judgment against you.

Legal counsel is often the difference between a devastating financial judgment and a favorable resolution. We examine your contracts for Truth in Lending Act (TILA) violations, forged documents, and non-compliance with the Utah Consumer Credit Code.

How Cannon Legal PLLC Advocates for You

We do not settle for standard creditor narratives. We fight to uncover procedural errors and statutory violations to mitigate your liability. Our strategy involves:

  • Contract Audits: Identifying TILA violations and hidden fees that may invalidate portions of your debt.
  • Defending Against Collection: Stopping the harassment and demanding proof of debt in court.
  • Affirmative Litigation: Utilizing fee-shifting statutes to hold creditors accountable for deceptive acts.
  • Arbitration Defense: If your contract contains a mandatory arbitration clause, we work to navigate these proceedings or assert your rights to a judicial forum.

Learn more about Cannon Legal PLLC and our approach to protecting Utah consumers.

Creditor Contact Information

If you are dealing with Merchants Preferred Lease Purchase Services, be cautious about the information you provide during initial communications. Their contact details are as follows:

Schedule your free phone consultation today to discuss your specific situation with an experienced attorney.