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Criminal Law/statue of limitation

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Expert: - 4/30/2005


Question
I reveived a letter today from Tallahassee State Attorneys Office.They telling me that I have 15 days from the day of the letter to send them 100.00 dollars for a worthless check that was written to a grocery store 10 years ago. They say that they will contact my local sheriff department to execute a warrant on me if they don't receive this money. Attached to the letter was a photocopy of a sworn complaint written in May 1995 and a copy of the check that apears to have my signature.The check was written in Tallahassee. I don't remember ever writting a check there. I never lived in Tallahassee. Can they just pop up like that after 10 years and give me 15 days without even giving me a chance to find out if I even wrote this check?  

Answer
   It appears that there is a warrant for you in Florida so I guess that they can "pop up" like this.  The term statute of limitations does not apply to your case.  You have it confused with the part of the law where law enforcement has a certain period of time to bring charges against someone or to solve a case.  In your particular case that is not at issue.  I would contact an attorney if you feel strongly that they have the wrong person.

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Jack Toomey

Expertise

Please do not ask me about potential jail sentences that you, your friends, or family might receive in court. There is no way for me to know that. Only a judge could answer a question like that. I am also NOT a probation officer or parole officer so I cannot answer questions that relate to parole or probation. Also please keep in mind that every state has different laws. If you are planning to ask a question about a specific law or criminal charge that pertains to your state only it could be difficult to answer. I also cannot give you legal advice on what to do or what not to do in court. Retired police officer with 26 years experience. Worked in the patrol division as well as over 14 years in the detective bureau. Investigated a wide range of crime such as murder, rape, robbery, theft, fraud, missing persons, and other very sensitive crimes. I am available to answer your questions about criminal law and especially as it applies to police work. I taught at the police academy for several years and am especially knowledgeable about search and seizure. Any question about criminal law is welcome! Please don't ask me to do your homework or ask me questions that obviously come from your teachers or professors. I also do not do online interviews or surveys. Young people need to gain face to face interviewing skills. Local police officers usually are very agreeable to assist in these assignments.

Experience

I am a retired police officer with 26 years experience. I investigated almost every type of crime including murder, rape, theft, missing persons, fraud, and domestic abuse. I am very knowledgeable about search and seizure and taught at the police academy for several years on a variety of subjects. I can answer questions that a lot of attorneys cannot since they do not have "street experience".

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Science degree in Criminolgy from the University of Maryland.

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