Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft NSF Checks California

[najefiwa]

I was arrested in California in May of 2006 for passing a few bad checks. After bailing out ($5000.00) and going to court 4 times in 4 months, each time there were no charges filed, the judge told me not to continue coming to court and wait for a letter that would come if the DA decided to prosecute. Now last week I was driving and was pulled over for expired registration. To my surprise (I have been pulled over 5 or 6 times in the last 5 years, even cited out for a misdemeanor once), I was arrested on a $50K warrant stemming from this case. The warrant was dated 10/06/2006. Okay so another $5K in bail money and back to court next month.

My questions are:

Is there a statute of limitations on PC476a?
If so does it apply here? or does the issuance of the warrant negate or extend the statute of limitations?
Why, if the warrant was issued in 2006, have I not been arrested before? (I live in a close by (20 miles) city in a neighboring county)

 

[army judge]

I've been a judge.
I'm still an associate visiting district court judge in Texas.

I've never advised any defendant to stop coming to court and wait for a letter. It might have happened to you. If it did, stop repeating it.

There could be many problems with the warrant. Your lawyer should investigate that.

I don't know why it wasn't served for five years.


I suggest you refuse to discuss any aspect of this case with anyone but your lawyer.

Hire a lawyer or ask for a court appointed lawyer.

A case this old may already be dead, or will just get nolle prosssed.

The three most important things now are stay outta trouble, keep your mouth shut, and wait!!!!

Time, silence, and patience are three of your best friends.