Q: hello, court collections is trying to bill me for a case from2020 that I did jail time and served and completed my 2 yea

A: Under California law, the ability of a court or collections agency to bill you for costs related to a case, such as fines, fees, or restitution, depends on several factors. It's important to consider the specific details of your case and the nature of the charges against you.

If you have already served jail time and completed probation for your case, it would be unusual for new charges or fees to be legitimately added after this period. However, there are circumstances where certain costs might only become apparent or enforceable after the conclusion of your sentence, such as unpaid restitution or fines.

It's also possible that the billing is in error or that it pertains to a different aspect of your case that was not resolved previously. To clarify this situation, you should review any documentation you received regarding the bill and compare it with the court documents from your case. Look for discrepancies or explanations for the charges.

If you believe that the billing is incorrect or unwarranted, you may want to contact the court or the agency that sent the bill to dispute the charges. It can be beneficial to do this in writing, providing evidence of your completed sentence and any other relevant information.

In situations like this, seeking advice from a legal professional can be very helpful. An attorney familiar with criminal law and post-conviction matters in California can provide guidance specific to your situation, help you understand your rights, and assist in resolving any issues with wrongful billing.