i have an old ticket from 2007 that i would like to handle how do i go about this matter

The following response is for general information purposes only and is not to be construed as legal advice.  This is actually a pretty simple matter to clear up.  It can be done with or without the assistance of an attorney, though it is typically a much smoother process if an attorney is present.  I do not practice in Orange County where the ticket likely is, but I can tell you how the matter could be handled in Wake County which I would imagine is a very similar procedure. First, the case is in what is called "VL" status, meaning that you had a court date, the case was called and failed, and now it is simply hanging out there suspending your license.  Once VL cases in Wake County have reached the age of yours, typically they may only be put back on the calendar for plea.  To have your case put back on a calendar, either yourself or an attorney would need to contact the clerk's office in that county to find out the procedure.  In Wake County there is simply a form that you fill out requesting to be put on a VL calendar.  You will be given a new court date.  If you are representing yourself, you must go to the court setting.  If you have hired an attorney, they may represent you by waiver (without your presence).  Second, the process is very similar from the time the case has been put back on the calendar.  You will ask the District Attorney to reduce the ticket or an attorney may do this for you.  You would then plead guilty.  The part where the attorney really is important is at the time of sentencing.  In addition to court costs (which are currently $188-190), you are also facing a $200 late fee.  An attorney may be able to argue on your behalf the reasons for why you should have the late fee waived.  You can certainly try to do this on your own, though it Wake County it is not successful very often without good cause.  Lastly, you must pay your court costs and ask to have a print out showing that you have paid the court costs and late fee if it was assessed.  This print out will be what you take with you to DMV to request a driver's license.