09/22/2026
🚨 CONTRACTING WORK AND REFUSING TO PAY CAN HAVE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES 🚨
This applies nationwide, although the exact laws and penalties vary by state.
When someone hires a contractor or subcontractor, authorizes the work, benefits from that work and then refuses to pay, they may face:
⚖️ A civil lawsuit for the unpaid balance
🏠 A mechanic’s lien against the property
💰 Interest, court costs and attorney’s fees
📄 A judgment that may affect property or business assets
🚔 Possible theft-of-services or fraud charges when there is evidence the work was obtained with the intent to avoid payment
👷 Possible construction-trust-fund violations when project funds are received but intentionally diverted instead of paying subcontractors or suppliers
📋 Possible licensing or regulatory consequences
Simply falling behind on a bill is not automatically a crime. However, hiring someone with no intention of paying, using deception to obtain the work or intentionally diverting construction funds can turn an unpaid invoice into something much more serious.
Contractors work hard, pay employees, purchase materials and complete the work they were hired to perform. Contracting the work does not make it free.
Document everything. Use written contracts. Save messages, invoices, photographs and proof that the work was completed. Most importantly—pay the people who performed the work.
GRAC Liens & Legal — Helping contractors protect what they’ve earned.
Laws, lien deadlines and criminal classifications vary by state. This post provides general information and is not legal advice.