Attorney Zoimé Álvarez Rubio analyzes the legal framework applicable to vehicle repossession in Puerto Rico and the remedies recognized by law for creditors and lessors in cases of contractual non-compliance. A recent article published in Microjuris, 'Prácticas alarmantes en la reposesión de vehículos en Puerto Rico', raises an important issue for both consumers and financial institutions in Puerto Rico.
Álvarez Rubio writes that an earlier published article explained only partially and superficially the rights the law gives financial institutions to recover vehicles when a borrower falls behind, and argues that the discussion should not be limited to general principles of due process or anecdotal examples, but rather should examine the entire legal framework. That article said vehicle repossession generally requires a judicial lawsuit, sentence, and seizure order; Álvarez Rubio states that this does not accurately reflect the current legislative scheme in Puerto Rico.