Rayzzor333
New Member
I received a letter in the mail last week. Upon opening it, I read: NOTICE OF DRIVER LICENSE OR DRIVING PRIVILEG SUSPENSION. I was floored. As I read on, the date "1992" was referenced, with reason: "Failure to pay fine." The ticket was received in a small village (Head of the Harbor, Suffolk County LI), in an area off the beaten path. I called the clerk, and found that normal business hours resembled those of a part-time short order cook. After leaving a detailed message requesting the offense, plate number, vehicle info, etc., I received a return voice mail that only instructed me where to send the $50 fine + $25 surcharge. I persistently called, and finally spoke to someone who provided the information I requested. To my disbelief, she advised that I had received a ticket for un-inspected vehicle, went to court on the scheduled date, actually plead guilty, but ALLEDGEDY never paid the fine. I told her that I found this hard to believe (basically insane), maintaining the position that I recalled the ticket, and would never "walk out" of a courthouse without paying the fine. I asked why I never received any mailings over the past 13 years, if this was at all true. She had no answer; only that NYS is "scrubbing" records. I explained that I have a perfect record, with perfect credit and believe that there must be some mistake. She then asked me to provide proof that I paid, and I told her that I would check my returned checks (which I actually keep). She then said that they only accept cash, certified bank checks or money orders, and no personal checks. I told her that I would have to look for the receipt, and requested my rights to contest the records. She told me that I have NO REOCURSE, and that "I should have paid the bill back in 1992." At that point I lost it. I was now insulted, and asked to see the judge. I have a scheduled hearing in May, but wanted to know my rights. There must be some time limit on this type of insane request for "payment" (or repayment) on a 13-year old ticket, or the sloppy record keeping in a small village court? Right? I know I paid, but can't find any courthouse recipt from 13 years ago.....Help.
