If your car, truck, or SUV was just repossessed in Milwaukee — or a repo agent is circling your block — you have more rights than the lender wants you to know. The Wisconsin Consumer Act is one of the strongest consumer protection laws in the country, and lenders and repossession companies violate it constantly. When they do, Milwaukee consumers can be entitled to money damages, and in many cases the lender pays your attorney fees.
DeLadurantey Law Office is a 100% consumer rights firm representing consumers throughout Milwaukee County — from the City of Milwaukee to West Allis, Wauwatosa, Greenfield, Oak Creek, Cudahy, and South Milwaukee — from our nearby Waukesha office.
Before a Repo: The Notice the Lender Must Send You
For most consumer auto loans covered by the Wisconsin Consumer Act, your lender cannot simply take your vehicle the moment you fall behind. In general, you must first receive a written notice of your right to cure the default, giving you at least 15 days to catch up before the lender may act. If your vehicle disappeared without proper notice, that may be an illegal no-notice repossession.
During a Repo: No Breach of the Peace — Ever
Even when a lender has the right to repossess, the repo agent must do it peacefully. Wisconsin law does not allow a repo agent to:
- Push past you, threaten you, or take the vehicle over your objection;
- Enter a closed or locked garage to get the vehicle;
- Bring the police along to intimidate you into surrendering the car.
Any of these can be a breach of the peace that turns a “legal” repo into an illegal one — and a damages claim for you. Learn more about police involvement in repossessions.
After a Repo: Your Property, Your Balance, Your Rights
After a repossession, you still have rights: the repo company must return the personal belongings inside your vehicle, the lender must follow strict rules before claiming you owe a deficiency balance, and you may have options to get your vehicle back.
Illegal Repossession = Money Damages
When a lender or repo company breaks these rules, the Wisconsin Consumer Act allows consumers to sue for damages — and it makes the lender pay your reasonable attorney fees when you win. Our firm has recovered substantial compensation for Wisconsin consumers, including a jury verdict of more than $300,000 in an illegal repossession case.
A Milwaukee-Area Repossession Lawyer Who Only Represents Consumers
We never represent banks, finance companies, or repo agencies — only consumers. Attorney Nathan DeLadurantey has been recognized by Super Lawyers, lectures nationally on consumer protection law, and handles repossession cases in Milwaukee County Circuit Court and Wisconsin federal courts.
What should I do right now if my car was just repossessed in Milwaukee?
Do not panic, and do not sign anything the lender sends you. Gather your loan paperwork and any notices you received, photograph any damage or missing property, write down exactly how the repo happened, and contact a consumer lawyer promptly.
What does it cost to hire you?
The consultation is free, and because the Wisconsin Consumer Act shifts fees to the lender in successful cases, most clients pay little or nothing out of pocket.
Talk to a Milwaukee Repossession Lawyer Today
Call 414.377.0515 or contact us online for a free consultation. The sooner we review your repossession, the more options you have.