If I got a letter regarding a unpaid fine for a DIU, mustI pay it if its from an attorney and not the court?
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If I got a letter regarding a unpaid fine for a DIU, mustI pay it if its from an attorney and not the court?
I got a DUI by a minor when I was 16 and never paid the fine. Now 14 years later I got a letter in the mail from an attorney that says I must pay them the fine. I probably would not think twice if it was a letter from the court but its not. What should I do?
Asked on June 19, 2011 under Criminal Law, Texas
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
I would contact both the court and the attorney that sent you the letter and inquire as to the fine. Ask the court two things: one, if you can still pay the fine to the court and two, if the court hired anyone to collect on their behalf and explain why. Ask the attorney by what authority he is collecting and for whom. Do not agree to pay anything until you are sure that paying the attorney satisfies the debt. Also, I bet the attorney has fees tacked on to the original fine so you need to check that out as well. Informed is the only way to make this decision. Good luck.
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