Clackamas County, OR Public Records

Courts in Clackamas County

Court Records in Clackamas County, Oregon

The Clackamas County court system is comprised of Circuit Courts, County Courts, Municipal Courts, Justice Courts, and a Tax Court. The Circuit Courts have general jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, handling significant matters such as family law (including divorce, child custody, and support), probate issues, juvenile cases, guardianship, and requests for protective orders. Circuit courts may also have specialized divisions, such as family courts or drug courts, dedicated to addressing specific types of cases.

County Courts in Clackamas County have limited jurisdiction, primarily focusing on small claims and specific civil matters. These courts do not handle criminal cases, which fall under the jurisdiction of the Circuit Courts. Municipal Courts, on the other hand, deal with local ordinance violations, traffic offenses, and certain misdemeanor criminal cases.

Justice Courts are authorized to try minor offenses and civil cases; they usually deal with county ordinances and traffic offenses. However, when there is a formal agreement between the court and any given city, the court also hears some cases of city ordinance violation. Tax Court covers tax matters only, including issues arising under Oregon tax laws, and shares its limited jurisdiction with Circuit Courts over property tax liens and property transfers.

Clackamas County courts maintain records through the Clerk of the Circuit Court. These are available online through the Clerk Case Search portal and by written request. the applicant can also physically visit or call the Clerk's office. Public access to court records can be limited in certain situations, especially when it involves juvenile cases, ongoing law enforcement investigations, or sensitive family law proceedings. Expunged or sealed records are also typically unavailable for public viewing.

Jails and Prisons in Clackamas County

Find Inmate Search and Jail Records in Clackamas County, Oregon

The Clackamas County Sheriff operates the Clackamas County Jail as its main local detention facility. Inmate records for individuals housed in this facility can be accessed both physically by visiting the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office at 2206 Kaen Road, Oregon City, OR, or online through their official website. The online inmate search tool allows users to look up inmates by name or booking number. The system provides important details, including the inmate's full name, booking date, charges, bond amount, court dates, and sometimes a mugshot.

While there are no state or federal prisons located in Clackamas County, inmates may be transferred to other facilities in Oregon. For those housed in state prisons, the Oregon Department of Corrections maintains an online database where you can search for inmate records using the inmate's name or ID number. If looking for federal inmates, searches can be done through the Federal Bureau of Prisons website. It's important to note that some records may not be accessible due to privacy laws or jail policies.

Police Departments and Sheriff Offices in Clackamas County

Arrest Records in Clackamas County, Oregon

Arrest records in Clackamas County are maintained by several agencies, including the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, and local police departments, such as the Oregon City Police Department, Lake Oswego Police Department, Happy Valley Police Department, Gladstone Police Department, and the Milwaukie Police Department. These arrest records typically include the arrested person's name, date of birth, physical description, arrest date and location, charges, arresting officer, and occasionally a mugshot. To access arrest records, individuals can visit the respective law enforcement agency in person or check online databases.

However, some arrest records may not be made available to the general public. Records may be restricted when they are part of an active investigation, if it involves juvenile offenders, or if such release may pose a danger or a violation of privacy laws. Further, records could be sealed or expunged by court order and thus unavailable. A formal Public Records Request or contact with the pertinent agency will yield the most accurate and up-to-date information.