questions & answers

Question: My ex wife (my wife at the time.) 2003 was an arthurized user on my bank account, and she wrote a NSF check. I was issued a warrant for it even though she wrote it and i was unaware. I believe even till this day I have a warrant. Is there a statue of limitations? Or can i be held accountable for her doing the crime.

Answer: Your question is a bit confusing.  A warrant indicates a criminal charge has been filed against you.  Normally, a charge for a NSF check is a civil matter unless there is a claim of criminal fraud.  Arizona is a community property state.  Any bills your wife incurred during the marriage are also your responsibility.  Even when the divorce court allocates a bill to one party (in this case the wife), if she fails to pay, the creditor can seek recovery from the other spouse.  A warrant would freeze the statute of limitations.  If there is a warrant, you really need to talk to a lawyer.  There are three programs in Arizona that you can use to get inexpensive legal advice and guidance.  One is the modest means program.  You will need to apply for the program and meet the financial qualifications.  Once you are qualified, Modest Means will send you a list of attorneys whose practice covers your area of concern.  You select a lawyer from the list and will be entitled to a one hour consultation for $75.  If you need additional help and if the lawyer agrees to take your case, the most you will be charged is  $75 per  hour.  The telephone number is (866) 637-5341.  Both Maricopa and Pima Counties have lawyer referral programs that offer a 30 minute consult with an attorney.  Maricopa County's Lawyer Referral Service offers its 30 minute consult with an experienced attorney for $40.  The telephone number is (602) 257-4434.  Pima County's Lawyer Referral Service offers a 30 minute attorney consult for $35.  The telephone number is (520) 623-4625.  If you are unable to afford even a modest fee and you meet the financial need qualifications, you may be able to find legal help in another section of this website.  Go to https://www.azlawhelp.org/accesstojustice.cfm.