Can you go to jail for unpaid debt? Behind bars for skipping out on your bills? Technically, imprisonment for unpaid debt is unconstitutional. In fact, the Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act specifically prohibits debt collectors from threatening seizure of property or imprisionment on civil matters unless the ability to take such action is lawful and the creditor intends to take such action.
Because, just like life, with the Constitution and laws, there are caveats, and one or more of those may be the reason you, or someone you know, ended up locked behind bars.
From employers refusing to pay employees to "deadbeat dads" skipping out on child support, the court has held that these individuals are in contempt of court and thus imprisoned for failing to pay debts.