((a)) ** Protection upon breach of contract**

((1)) ** Protection after entering military service** After a servicemember enters military service, a contract by the servicemember for—

((A)) the purchase of real or personal property (including a motor vehicle); or

((B)) the lease or bailment of such property,

((2)) ** Applicability** This section applies only to a contract for which a deposit or installment has been paid by the servicemember before the servicemember enters military service.

((b)) ** Misdemeanor** A person who knowingly resumes possession of property in violation of subsection (a), or in violation of , or who knowingly attempts to do so, shall be fined as provided in title 18, or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.section 3918 of this title

((c)) ** Authority of court** In a hearing based on this section, the court—

((1)) may order repayment to the servicemember of all or part of the prior installments or deposits as a condition of terminating the contract and resuming possession of the property;

((2)) may, on its own motion, and shall on application by a servicemember when the servicemember’s ability to comply with the contract is materially affected by military service, stay the proceedings for a period of time as, in the opinion of the court, justice and equity require; or

((3)) may make other disposition as is equitable to preserve the interests of all parties.