Can judgments show up on credit report for the first time, years after being filed?

[tatame101]

In 2002 my Cap One card charged off to the tune of about $1200. A few years later some collection agency for Cap One, contacts me about it and I make payment arrangements to pay it off. I pay it monthly but I moved to a new state. When I informed the collection agency collecting for Cap One that I moved to a new state, they told me I could NOT continue paying on it and they would send the account back to Cap 1 since they (the collection agency) cannot collect in the state I live in now (CA).

For a long while I worry that Cap One might file suit against me (since I've heard that they are MORE likely to file suit than most CC companies). I monitor my credit reports religiously. All seems well. I have been rebuilding my credit scores by getting new cards and paying them off. I check my reports every few months to see what is on there.

Yesterday I found out that I could pull up civil court cases for my city (under the court system). I found out that Cap One filed something against me in 8/2006. I was NEVER served (I know what it is to get served, had that happen with another credit account but I paid it off before going to court). In my panic, I check all three of my credit reports. Everything seems file. No judgements entered in the "court cases area". Credit scores are still thriving. Cap One isn't even ON the credit reports from the 3 agencies (seems to have dropped off now).

What should I do? I don't even know if there is a judgement against me, since I don't see it. I have NOT had any bank accounts attached or paychecks garnished. My credit reports don't show the last place I worked at, just the place before (which was 5 years ago in another state). I did recently get laid off from my job though.

I don't want to do anything that would hurt my current credit scores, like awaken any sleeping giants. I am willing to pay off Cap 1, just want to do it without it causing a major hit on my report.

I can't remember them ever serving me, even a lawsuit letter.

[merrybucks]

I found out that Cap One filed something against me in 8/2006

What does the court web site say about the case?