Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

I got a minor in possession on my 20th birthday (im 23 now) in Santa Barbara county, California.

I never received anything in the mail about it, so I made a mistake and acted like it never happened.

I later got pulled over and the cop told me I had a suspended license, and I got a ticket for driving with a suspended license.

I was a full time student, did not make much money, and wasn't able to pay for my ticket.

I later got another ticket for driving on a suspended license, bringing my total of amount due to the courts to about $2,500. They told me as soon as I paid my fines my license will not be suspended anymore.

I finally just paid off the $2,500, and now the DMV is telling me I have to go to Santa Barbara to see the judge for the MIP I got 3 years ago.

Will they try and suspend my license for a year for something that happened 3 years ago?

What should I do? Just show up and plead guilty for the judge, tell him my story and hope he doesn't suspend my license?


Asked on 1/21/11, 1:15 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Anthony Roach Law Office of Anthony A. Roach

I don't believe your story at all. When a minor is found in possession, the law enforcement officer that conducted the stop takes away the minor's physical license at that time, and hands them a piece of paper that explains the time frame for them to challenge the suspension from the DMV. There is no going home and saying you never got something in the mail.

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Answered on 1/26/11, 9:32 am
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

For you to handle this, you must turn yourself into the court on the original and any outstanding warrant[s], with or without an attorney, and try to negotiate a plea bargain on the warrant[s] and outstanding charges. Doing so voluntarily will result in a better outcome than you being brought in cuffs to court after arrest on the warrant[s]. While this isn't a 'capital case', you certainly face potential jail and fines, so handle it right. Unless you're competent to effectively represent yourself in court against a professional prosecutor trying to put you in jail, most people hire an attorney who can. If you get serious about doing so, feel free to contact me.

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Answered on 1/26/11, 10:17 am


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