[waynecountyinmate]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Michigan
I was charged with an illegal use of a financial transaction device charge, i was 18 at the time, and it was my first crime, so i didnt know too much about the legal system. I was put into the HYTA program and given 2 years of probation and TONS of fines. I didn't have a job at the time, and had a hard time finding one (just to get laid off 5 months later). Anyways, i didnt have money to pay and was scared to go to jail, so i absconded (big mistake). So far from the 2 times ive been caught after absconding, i have spent a total of 5 months in jail. What i was wondering... is can i get that 5 months credited to time served and maybe get the case closed? even though it wasnt 5 months of sentenced time? ive been on the run for 5 years now, and havent had another charge since then, do i qualify for statute of limitations? (im not even exactly sure what it is, was told by a friend of the family).
Thanks for your time, please help =(

[Mr. Knowitall]

There's no statute of limitations on a probation violation.

If you're resentenced, the five months you've served on the offense should be credited against the maximum. So if the maximum penalty is four years in prison, the maximum sentence would be four years less five months previously served, or 43 months. (That's not likely to be the sentence, despite your ill-advised actions; I'm just explaining the math.) Note that if you did the time in other states (I'm assuming you were detained on the warrant and not ultimately extradited) you may have to document that to the court; sometimes records aren't communicated very well between states.

I suggest being prepared to pay off all outstanding assessments (fines, restitution, etc.) when you go to court.