Alcohol & Drugs: DUI, DWI DWI Surcharge after 4 years conviction

[blove]

Greetings,

I was convicted of DWI, my first in November of 2012. I did 14 days in jail and was done with it and it was on my record. Just a week ago I had a birthday and realized that my drivers license expired so I went to renew it. She said I was ineligible and gave me paperwork to call. Sure enough it was in regards to Texas surcharge in which I must pay $1,000 every year for 3 years. I've never received notice of a surcharge. Never had a change of address. Furthermore, the surcharge didn't kick in 'til this year where payment was due January 9th of 2015. Having no notification of surcharge and no notification of drivers license suspension in the mail. It took a trip to the DPS to find out about all of this. It turns out I have been driving with a suspended license for about 6 months. This seems very odd that until this year, over 3 years ago that they now decide to hit me with the surcharge and not 3 years ago.

Is there a statue of limitations on this? Can they still go after me for a surcharge after 3 + years? Seems odd that they decided to wait over 3 years to start a surcharge against me. Any help would be much appreciated.

Regards,

B

 

[army judge]

There is a glimmer of hope for those who can prove they're indigent.

General Overview - The indigent program provides some drivers the ability to comply with surcharges owed under the Driver Responsibility Program and maintain driving privileges. The surcharges are not waived under these programs, but are reduced. The objective is to ensure drivers can become licensed, obtain financial liability insurance, and continue to keep our roads safe. Any surcharge assessed on or after September 1, 2003 are eligible for the Indigenct-Incentive Programs.



The Indigent Program applies to individuals who are living at or below 125% of the federal poverty level, defined annually by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. For approved applicants, surcharges will be reduced to 10% of the total amount assessed. The total amount due will not exceed $250 (service fees apply).

The Incentive Program applies to individuals who are living above 125% but are below 300% federal poverty level, defined annually by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. For approved applicants, the surcharge fees will be reduced by 50% of the total amount assessed (service fees apply).

Once approved for a reduction under either program, the individual must pay the reduced balance in full within six (6) months. All surcharge suspensions will be lifted during this period. If the individual does not pay the balance in full by the due date, their driving privileges will be suspended until the reduced balance is paid in full.



Read all about the program here:

https://www.txsurchargeonline.com/(S(hvvvysnbvm2brwopzxoetjzq))/indigence.aspx

Then, apply for help here:

https://www.txsurchargeonline.com/(S(e2ecxnzaxuevkrplgq40cns4))/OnlineServices.aspx





If you do not have access to the internet, you may call 1-(866)223-3583 and speak to a Program Specialist for further instructions on how to receive a form to apply to the program.

 

[blove]

Unfortunately, in this case I cannot be indigent as I make well over the poverty line. My question really is in regards to the 3+ years that it took for my surcharge to go into effect. I know of a few people that have had a DWI and there surcharge almost kicked in immediatetly. It seems that after 3 years there should be some law that they cannot collect since the time lapse of when I initally was convicted of my DWI.

 

[army judge]

Unfortunately, in this case I cannot be indigent as I make well over the poverty line. My question really is in regards to the 3+ years that it took for my surcharge to go into effect. I know of a few people that have had a DWI and there surcharge almost kicked in immediatetly. It seems that after 3 years there should be some law that they cannot collect since the time lapse of when I initally was convicted of my DWI.

Reread my post, the threshold isn't just the poverty line.

As to HOW the government can do it, they make the laws.

They can do almost anything they want to do.

Their laws apply only to the rest of us.

If you're that well off, HIRE yourself a lawyer, or pay the lousy three grand.

Good luck.

 

[Betty3]

If you can pay it, you might just go ahead & do so & save yourself a lot of possible hassle. Otherwise, contact a lawyer as suggested & see what he/she has to say.