Asked 6/22/17 – Sachse, TX

Hello:

I supposedly received a ticket in California 12 years ago, since then I have renewed my License and no notification existed and I was able to get the license, nothing has shown up on my driving record. I have lived in the same home for 15 years and I never received notification of this ticket. All of the sudden I get a call from a collection agency wanting me to pay for a ticket I am not aware of or remember.

Is there a Statue of time on these tickets in Texas, where i have lived for the last 15 years? Can they suspend or not allow me to renew my license even 12 years later. Can they place this on my credit report even thought its 12 years later and the statue has run put on credit reporting?

Please let me know. And what I can do?

Thanks
Luis

Answer

There is a statute of limitations on all criminal proceedings, but it is tolled once the State files the charging instrument with the court. You will have to contact an attorney in the county where the ticket is pending to see what can be done to resolve the citation. Before that, you can call the court and ask them to send a copy of the citation to see if you can remember the matter. You may also contact the collection agency and inform them you are disputing the claim. Good luck.