City Civil Penalties

[ChaserRu]

I have city civil penalties from rental properties that were not in compliance with city code. All part of the reason I am filing bankruptcy... ran out of money to repair things and it all fell down from there..

I am wondering if these are dischargable? My BK attorney says "no" but all of my reading shows criminal penalties are not but I can't find a clear answer on city civil penalties. They total about $12,000 so it's a pretty good chunk of change....

Thanks
CG

[HHM]

I think your attorney is correct, look at Section 523 (a)(7) of the BK Code.

to the extent such debt is for a fine, penalty, or forfeiture payable to and for the benefit of a governmental unit...

If I were you, since the amount is significant, I would push your attorney to do some research (even if that means you need to pay him some extra).