failure to appear in CA 1996: Statute of limitations?

What is the name of your state? California

I had a speeding ticket in 1996 or '97 and moved out of state shortly after. I did not appear in court or pay the fine. I got a DL in MN and SC during the time I was away without any problems. I recently moved back to CA and got my license through the DMV. They said that my license was suspended, and made me pay a $50 fee to reinstate it. I have not paid the court fees. I am afraid to go around asking a bunch of questions, bringing up something that may otherwise be long forgotten. Since money is almost non-exsistent and my husband is pending layoff, I was hoping that there may be a statute of limitations on paying the court fees. If there is a warrant out for my arrest, is there a timeframe in which it will expire? Is there a way to bypass paying the court fees? I have no idea even how much they are. Like I said, I am afraid to ask any questions and risk calling attention to my lack of paying.

Any help would be appreciated.

[lwpat]

I am very surprised that you received a license without having to pay the ticket. A reinstatement normally requires that the court verify that all fines have been paid. There is no statute of limitations, by not appearing you plead guilty, and there should be a failure to appear charge that has been added.

It is possible that everthing has gotten lost in the system and you are now clear. The worry would be that it could show back up at any time. My suggestion would be that you obtain an abstract of your current drivers license and see if there are any problems.

In the meantime try not to get stopped since you could go to jail.

Originally posted by somer1123
What is the name of your state? California

I Since money is almost non-exsistent and my husband is pending layoff,
Any help would be appreciated.

I cant believe you are such a BOZO! You returned to the scene of the crime and expect them to just forget about it.

Man oh mighty, thats just too dumb to believe., why didnt you STAY away from Californication, until YOU KNEW you had all the fines paid for.

You got you self into this mess, why dont YOU GET A JOB? Hubby aint gonna have one soon and if you got kids, he can watch them..