Question about Statute of Limitations

What is the name of your state? Florida Live in GA now

I will preface this with the fact that I know what I did was a stupid thing, and don't need anyone to comment on that.

My question is kind of a complex one. I had a DUI in 1991 Which I plead no contest to. I didn't know what to do, didn't have funds for a lawyer and took the sobriety tests, so I figured it was a done deal. I did all of the requirements set forth by the court etc.

In 1994 I was stopped for speeding on a highway in Tampa FL. The officer said that he clocked me doing 89 MPH in a 55 zone. First of all, this was impossible, since I was driving a 1990 Hundai Scoupe with almost 100,000 miles on it. But anyway, a year and 1/2 later I was stopped for speeding again in Pinellas county fL. Clearwater to be exact 5/96.

I obtained a lawyer and went to court, but didn't get the DUI's resolved. I couldn't get around in Florida Without a driver's license, so I moved to atlanta Metro area, where there is transportation available. Another reason why I didn't stay and "face the music" was because I am a gay man and the thought of a prison terrified me. My Bac on the first DUI was .13 and went up to .1375 on the second test. I saw a posting for a RISING BAC defense.

I have been in the Atlanta Area since 10/96. I told my lawyer that I was intending on moving and asked him how I could get this solved. I paid the attorney around $5000.

The attorney said that my options were to hold off on moving, or I could leave the state, but don't plan on driving again. Since my issues didn't involve a crash, or any type of liability that the state would issue a bench warrant, but would not come and look for me etc. Several months after moving, I called the Attorney and wanted to get this situation resolved. The Attorney told me that I would not have to return to the state, and he would handle everything. His additional fee was $1700.

After paying this attorney more money, he told me that I would have to return to the state of Florida and plan on staying for a month. My problem was this, I had a job, a home and responsibilites. I couldn't take a month of work without loosing everything. And then, there were no guarantees that I would be able to return in a month.

Since I changed my address with the attorney, and the Attorney setup the other paperwork and filed it, and I changed my address with the state, my question is there any statute of limitations?

I also obtained a GA identification card, and handed them a duplicate copy of my florida drivers license that was on record as being suspended. Also what did the state of GA do with my duplicate license? Did they send it back to Florida? put it on record? I saw the clerk paperclip it to the paperwork for the ID card.

What are my options? Do I have any? When I pull up my driving record online the only thing I show on record is the refusal, and the no court appearances for the DUI that the lawyer setup after I moved out of state. The original DUI's are not on my record through the website.

Before anyone says anything about a drinking problem, I don't have one. I have been through the counseling etc, DUI school and counselors basically told me I was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I chalk it out to living alone for the first time, coming out of the closet, stepping into the club scene or bar for that matter, for the first time (age 24) and getting involved with the wrong people. A combination of that, along with the fact that the designated driver always left with someone or became intoxicated. In the long run I am responsible for my own actions.

[Son of Slam]

**** U.S. LAW ONLY - PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR STATE BECAUSE LAWS VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.
PLEASE BE CIVIL, BRIEF, AND TO THE POINT. Please type in lower case letters.****

I Now live in Atlanta Georgia... I don't understand why that response was posted. I used lowercase letters. I was as brief as I could be about the situation. I believe I was civil.

Son of Slam, what was the reason for your posting?

[Son of Slam]

Originally posted by AcrossStateLine
Son of Slam, what was the reason for your posting?

Sometimes it's hard to get a response here if you don't keep it brief.

Thanks