Q: Im trying to find out if I have a bench warrant for missing a court date.

A: Every case is unique, thus in circumstances like this—where you are attempting to find out whether you have a bench warrant for skipping a court date—you need be sure to speak with an attorney for your particular case. Here are some broad ideas for thought:

Getting in touch with the Court Although it's encouraging if the court where you think the hearing took place has no record of you, it does not totally ensure that there isn't a bench warrant elsewhere. Court records occasionally may be lacking or the matter may be in another jurisdiction. It is advisable to verify with all available courts where your case might have been registered.

Should the district attorney's office find nothing on you, this could also suggest that no bench warrant is currently outstanding. The district attorney might not always have the most recent information, though, particularly if the subject falls under another branch of the legal system. An attorney can assist in verifying this several ways.

No Action During a Traffic Stop: It indicates there might not be an outstanding warrant since you were pulled over seven years after the missed court date and nothing happened when the officer ran your information. Although this is a good indication, law enforcement would usually be informed about a bench warrant during a regular traffic stop; this is not conclusive proof.

Check Statewide Records: A few states have online systems allowing one to search for warrants. If at all feasible, you might want to review Oregon's state warrant search system. An attorney might perhaps assist in a more exhaustive search through law enforcement databases and court records.

Since every legal matter is different, speaking with a criminal defense attorney is the best approach to be sure no outstanding warrant exists. They can assist in additional inquiry to verify whether you have any current legal matters.