exceeding the speed limit in maine by 30+mph statute of limitations?

Question

Way back in 2000 I had a bad day in the state of Maine. I got charged with speeding over the legal limit on a highway by 30mph+ (no other issues involved-- DUI, reckless, etc-- but the officers at the time referred to it as
criminal speeding-- although the ticket just read exceeding limit by 30+).

It is now 2007 and, since I live in another state and times were hard at the time not been back to deal with it.

I wonder about Statute of limitations on such matters in the State of Maine-- as, these things usually go, I have to make a trip back there for business in June.

Wondering if I may be in the clear. I would contact them either way... just wondering what the potential outcome might be.

Thanks for any info.

Thanks for the advice. Perhaps I should, ahem, clarify, a couple of points.

Devoid of outome of ansers on the forum I do plan to contact the Maine DMV to see what steps should be taken... just seeing what the prelims may be.

I should note that they actually stopped me across the state border in NH when they charged me. Which does not make this look like 'e entertainment's deadliest police chases'... but, moreover, I sped over a bridge and maine officers cited me on NH soil.

I know, and plan, to contact them and do the right thing. Just looking for what to expect when I do and if anyone else has gone thru this before.

Definately plan to deal with it. It is the right thing to do. But looking for a worst and best case scenario and protocol. Thanks a lot for all the advice.

Answer 1

The statute of limitations to prosecute on a felony in Maine is 6 years. However, you technically WERE charged as you received your ticket in person. You may have been tried in absentia and found guilty. In that case, I don't think the statute applies. You would be considered a fugitive. If you plan on going to the state (or ever getting a clearance of any kind), I'd suggest you have an attorney clear all this up for you as soon as possible.

Answer 2

By not showing up for court you got a bench warrant for your arrest and blew your shot of contesting the ticket and the judgement made against you. Had you shown up, it would have been a very big fine and possible suspension of your license. You want to check how long warrants of that nature stay in the system, if it's less than 6 years, then it most likely won't show up and you're good. It's obviously not affecting your drivers license now, because a. you would have lost it at one point, and/or b. if you've been pulled over since they didn't haul you to jail.

Answer 3

I think that the statute of limitations applies to being charged with a crime, since you got a ticket you have already been charged and the statute of limitations does not apply. You should pay the ticket because if you don't and get pulled over you might get locked up for a day or two especially if its on the weekend.

Answer 4

It relies upon completely on the line. A small edge rated at 30 is extra useful at 20 than 30, and not secure at 40. a extensive toll highway rated at 30 may well be secure (yet no longer criminal) at 40. just about every person drives at eighty on the toll highway, so i would not lose sleep over that. As continuously, speed must be appropriate to highway, site visitors and climatic situations, and speed limits do no longer mirror that.

Answer 5

The ticket is still on the books and statue of limitations do not apply in this matter. If you go back to Maine and stopped by the police for some reason, you will be arrested if your drivers license is checked.

Answer 6

You clearly don't understand what "statute of limitations" means. You can pretty much count on the fact that you now have a bench warrant out for your arrest in Maine.

Answer 7

There may well be a bench warrant out for your arrest. You could be perfectly fine, but if for any reason you get pulled over or otherwise get your license checked, you might stay longer than anticipated for your business trip.