Fined for red light violation after 12 years

[SavedByGraceAndNotTheLaw]

Jurisdiction

Illinois

I live in San Antonio right now. I just received a letter in the mail from a law firm claiming I owe $300+ for a red light violation and expired parking meter. This is the first time I'm hearing about this. The years listed for these two violations are years I lived in Chicago, but how is it legal to contact me 12 years later for something that I have no memory of? I lived in Seattle for 5 years and Oakland for 4 years. It's not like I have been hard to reach. I know that Chicago is short on money and raising their taxes on their residents. So, I'm wondering if the city is just trying to make some money, hoping I will just pay them and not ask any questions. Is there any way to fight this?

 

[justblue]

I live in San Antonio right now. I just received a letter in the mail from a law firm claiming I owe $300+ for a red light violation and expired parking meter. This is the first time I'm hearing about this. The years listed for these two violations are years I lived in Chicago, but how is it legal to contact me 12 years later for something that I have no memory of? I lived in Seattle for 5 years and Oakland for 4 years. It's not like I have been hard to reach. I know that Chicago is short on money and raising their taxes on their residents. So, I'm wondering if the city is just trying to make some money, hoping I will just pay them and not ask any questions. Is there any way to fight this?

Did you verify that there really is outstanding fines?

 

[mightymoose]

The latter from the "law firm" is nothing you have any obligation to acknowledge. This is a collection agency that will use any means possible to pursue or scare you into paying them.
I would ignore anything other than official court documents compelling me to appear at a particular time and date.

 

[julianofernandes]

That is truly messed up--I would fight it.
Thanks Juliano Fernandes

 

[Highwayman]

That is truly messed up--I would fight it.
Thanks Juliano Fernandes

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