Old Parking citation

[girlene]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Maryland
We are a military family. We were stationed in MD then went to Okinawa. While we were in Okinawa our Jeep was in storage. In 2003, my husband's jeep received a parking citation while we were all in Okinawa. We of course knew nothing about this. 2 weeks ago, we received a letter from a law firm stating the we now owe over $1000 for this one parking ticket. I immediately called the law office and the man, who was VERY RUDE, said nastily, you either pay the ticket or get a lawyer and go to court. I explained to him we are still overseas and cannot just hop a plane to MD for a court date. He insisted that my only option was to pay the fine. I find this COMPLETELY unacceptable! I called the Baltimore offices instead and they said they may be able to drop the excessive penalties and just pay the ticket.

I was online and saw that I am not the only one in this predicament. What can be done. How can i get a copy of this ticket? Is there a statute of limitations on a parking ticket? I was reading that some lawyers suggest to not do anything and forget about it. Any other or better advice?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

[JETX]

Originally Posted by girlene

While we were in Okinawa our Jeep was in storage. In 2003, my husband's jeep received a parking citation while we were all in Okinawa.

How EXACTLY does a vehicle in storage get a parking citation??
Where was it stored?? Was it parked on a street?? Private Property??

[girlene]

Our jeep was in a storage facility in MD that we paid for. Thinking way back, it could have been moved by a "friend" who had access but of course never told us about the ticket if indeed he got one.
Is there any way to protect ourselves from the outrageous fees they've tacked on to the ticket? Does the law office that has been hired get a cut; is that why they tell me to pay? Is there a SOL on such tickets from so long ago?

[JETX]

Originally Posted by girlene

Is there any way to protect ourselves from the outrageous fees they've tacked on to the ticket?

You can petition the court for a review of the charges.

Does the law office that has been hired get a cut; is that why they tell me to pay?

Of course they get a fee for their services.

Is there a SOL on such tickets from so long ago?

No. The only way to resolve this matter is to pay it or challenge it in court. You might ask the court for a hearing on the matter and prove that the vehicle was in storage and that you had no access to it during the time the ticket was issued.