Understanding Your Military Consumer Protections
Our firm specializes in enforcing federal laws designed to protect active-duty personnel and their families. We handle the complex legal work so you can focus on your duties.
SCRA Interest Rate Reductions
If you incurred debt prior to joining the military, you are protected by the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). We assist in capping your pre-service loan interest rates at 6%, ensuring lenders refund any overpayments made while you were on active duty.
MLA Predatory Lending Defense
The Military Lending Act (MLA) strictly prohibits lenders from charging active-duty service members more than a 36% Military Annual Percentage Rate (MAPR). If you are trapped in a high-interest payday loan, title loan, or installment loan, we can help you fight back against these illegal terms.
Debt Collection Harassment
It is a violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) for collectors to contact your chain of command or commanding officer regarding personal debts. We stop the harassment and hold collectors accountable for threatening your career or security clearance.
Lease Termination & Housing Rights
Received PCS orders or being deployed? You have the right to terminate residential leases without penalty. We also provide defense against foreclosure proceedings, ensuring your family’s home is secure while you are deployed.
Consultation & Pricing
We understand the financial constraints military families face. Cannon Legal PLLC offers confidential consultations to review your eligibility for help. We operate with transparent fee structures and, in certain cases regarding consumer rights violations, we may offer alternative fee arrangements depending on the potential recovery of statutory damages.
Your Mission is Serving; Ours is Protecting You
- Nationwide Representation: Whether you are stationed in Texas, overseas, or anywhere in the U.S., our reach ensures you have legal support regardless of your current post.
- Deep SCRA & MLA Expertise: General practice lawyers often miss the nuances of military law. We possess deep experience specifically in the acts that protect Service Members.
- Aggressive Advocacy: We do not simply file paperwork; we aggressively stand up to banks, landlords, and debt collectors who attempt to take advantage of military personnel.
- Career Protection Focus: We understand that financial disputes can threaten security clearances and rank. We handle your case with the discretion and urgency required to protect your career.
Accessible Legal Counsel: We break down complex statutes into plain English, ensuring you understand your rights every step of the way.
Common Questions About Military Consumer Rights
We offer confidential consultations to discuss your situation and explain our fee structure. In some cases, we may be able to offer alternative fee arrangements depending on the type of case and potential recovery.
Contact our office for a free consultation. We can review your situation and advise you on your eligibility for these protections based on your military status and the specifics of your case.
You should send a formal cease communication letter via certified mail, referencing the FDCPA. Keep a copy of the letter and the mailing receipt. If the calls continue, contact our office; this could be a violation of federal law.
You should gather all loan documents and contact our office for a review. You can also file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Violations of the MLA can have serious consequences for lenders.
The SCRA and Texas Property Code § 51.015 provide protection against foreclosure without a court order while you are on active duty and for a period after your service ends, for mortgages originated before your active duty.
Yes. Under the SCRA, you have the right to request that the interest rate on debts you incurred before active duty be capped at 6% for the duration of your service. You need to notify the lender in writing with a copy of your orders.
Under the SCRA and Texas Property Code § 92.017, you can typically terminate your residential lease without penalty by providing written notice and a copy of your military orders to your landlord.
No. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and the Texas Debt Collection Act (TDCA) prohibit debt collectors from contacting your chain of command regarding your debts. This is considered harassment.
The Military Lending Act (MLA) protects active-duty service members, their spouses, and certain dependents from predatory lending practices by imposing a 36% Military Annual Percentage Rate (MAPR) cap on many types of credit and prohibiting certain terms like mandatory arbitration clauses.
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) is a federal law that provides numerous protections to active-duty military personnel, including capping interest rates on pre-service debts at 6% upon notification, allowing for the termination of leases under certain circumstances, and protecting against default judgments and foreclosures without court orders.