View Full Version : What happens when you leave state without showing up for court?
iloveyoutoo
Nov 15, 2010, 12:12 AM
I got arrested in Oregon for shoplifting and was released do to over crowding and was already in the process of moving. So I forgot to show up to court and now have moved to the big island. This was my first offense ever and now I don't know what to do I have a family to support by myself. Do you know what might happen in my case? Could I get arrested and sent back to Oregon?
ScottGem
Nov 15, 2010, 05:01 AM
For shoplifting its unlikely you will be sent back. But a warrant has probably been issued for your arrest. This will show up on background checks. If you are arrested for another matter, the warrant will show up and it might cause you to be detained.
I would retain an attorney in OR to try to clear this up for you.
calarts
Nov 16, 2010, 02:13 PM
If you missed a court date, the judge could have issued a bench warrant out on you, if you go back to that state and you get stopped for anything could be found and you go to jail based on your failure to appear... if you served your time (even if released due to overcrowding) not clear what court date was about... but likely a bench warrant is out in your name if you didn't show, sometimes other states can see the warrant in their state so if you get in trouble on the island... there is a chance the warrant may show up... you need to contact the other state... the clerk of the court's office... and call and find out what status is of your case (dont say where you are now) just say years ago (give date) I was arrested did some jail time but was early released due to overcrowding, I would like to know what my record reflects to make sure I don't have any outstanding issues... " they can then see if you have a warrant, if you do you need it quashed... BUT... I would advise you to call your attorney or public defender to find out... if you had a public defender they can get this info for you (free) so you don't have to call the court, a private lawyer may charge you so its up to who represented you... so if a pub def ask him or her and be honest with your situation with them as he or she is your attorney... and you have attorney client privlege
Fr_Chuck
Nov 16, 2010, 02:30 PM
There will be a warrant for your arrest and it will be in the system nation wide,
You will have trouble finding new jobs or getting credit, or opening bank accounts normally due to this. And have trouble finding new rental housing.
If you get stopped for something, like speeding, they will hold you while they check to see if the other state will be willing to pay for your return, ( normally not for minor) but it does not go away, if you ever get caught close enough, yes they willl take you back and hold you for court.