Oregon Court Records
Oregon Court Records are a valuable source of information for individuals seeking legal information or researching the history of a particular case. Generally, the Oregon Judicial Department (OJD) maintains these records and makes them accessible to the public, subject to certain limitations and restrictions.
The Oregon Public Records Law is the law that governs the public's right to access government records in the state of Oregon. This law requires all government agencies, including the courts, to maintain and make public records available upon request. It includes court records such as case files, dockets, and transcripts, among other documents.
However, the law allows certain exemptions to this requirement, particularly regarding sensitive or confidential information. For example, some court records may be sealed to protect the privacy of individuals involved in a case or to prevent the disclosure of trade secrets or other confidential information.
Despite these limitations, court records in Oregon remain a valuable resource for legal researchers and the general public. Court records can provide a wealth of information about legal proceedings, including the parties' names, the charges or claims made, and the case's outcome.
They can also provide insight into the legal system and the social and cultural contexts in which legal disputes arise.
In addition to being a valuable source of information for legal researchers and the general public, these records also serve an essential role in promoting transparency and accountability in government. By making court records publicly accessible, the OJD helps ensure that the courts' actions are subject to scrutiny and oversight by the public.
Which Oregon Courts Maintain Publicly Accessible Records?
To efficiently locate court records in Oregon, it is necessary to have a comprehensive understanding of the state court system. By familiarizing with the various courts in the state, one can simplify the process of determining which court has jurisdiction over a particular case and where to search for relevant court records.
The trial court system in Oregon contains most of the publicly accessible records. This system encompasses the following courts:
Oregon Circuit Courts
Oregon Circuit Courts are generally responsible for issues that fall beyond the purview of other courts and have comprehensive jurisdiction over all civil and criminal matters.
These courts may include specialized divisions for specific case categories, such as Family Court, Juvenile Court, Drug Court, or Commercial Court.
Felonies, capital murder, and preliminary hearings are criminal proceedings handled in Circuit Courts. Criminal and quasi-criminal matters that fall within the purview of Municipal Courts and Justice Courts are also subject to the authority of Circuit Courts.
In civil proceedings, Circuit Courts in Oregon consider broad civil claims with no monetary threshold and certain small claims matters.
Small Claims Court divisions exist in Circuit Courts in cities without Justice Courts. The Circuit Court and Justice Court will choose which court hears small claims matters if a Justice Court is present. Small claims in Oregon comprise monetary disputes between $750 and $10,000.
In addition to the matters above, Circuit Courts are responsible for the following cases:
- Disputes over property ownership
- Marriage dissolution
- Adoption
- Child custody
- Juvenile cases
- Probate matters
- Guardianship
- Involuntary commitment
- Injunctions petitions
Some Circuit Courts in Oregon have a Family Court division that manages most family-related cases, including specific domestic violence-related issues.
Furthermore, the Lane County Circuit Court has a specialized Commercial Court program with statewide jurisdiction. This court is responsible for certain categories of complex business and commercial proceedings, which include:
- Internal and external affairs of a business
- Securities transactions
- Trade secrets
- Electronic technology
- Commercial insurance disputes
- Commercial real property
- Intellectual property
- Professional Malpractice
- Product liability
- Construction defects
- Mass torts
- Environmental litigation
In summary, the Oregon Circuit Courts are essential to the state's judicial system. They have broad jurisdiction to hear and decide various civil and criminal cases.
Oregon County Courts
County Courts in Oregon have limited jurisdiction, typically including probate matters and juvenile cases.
Oregon has a limited number of County Courts, with only six counties currently having them. These counties are Gilliam, Grant, Sherman, Harney, Wheeler, and Malheur, with their jurisdictions varying by county.
Only Gilliam, Wheeler, and Sherman County Courts have jurisdiction over juvenile and probate cases, allowing them to handle matters related to delinquency, dependency, small estates, and guardianship and conservatorship proceedings.
On the other hand, Harney, Grant, and Malheur County Courts have jurisdiction solely over probate cases. They can handle the administration of small estates and hear guardianship and conservatorship proceedings within their respective jurisdictions.
Oregon Justice Courts
Oregon Justice Courts are lower-level courts that handle certain cases within their jurisdiction.
Justice Courts hear most civil claims, including landlord-tenant disputes, the recovery of specific personal property, the recovery of money or damages, and the recovery of penalties or forfeitures. If a Justice Court is in the same city as a Circuit Court, the Circuit Court and Justice Court will determine which court will hear small claims cases.
Certain forms of civil cases, such as false imprisonment, title disputes, libel, defamation, and malicious prosecution, are not within the jurisdiction of the Justice Courts.
In addition to civil cases, Justice Courts also consider felony preliminary proceedings and misdemeanor cases. Other matters that a Justice Court in Oregon can handle include traffic, water-based, and wildlife violations. If an agreement exists with a city, Justice Courts may also hear violations of city ordinances.
Justice Courts may operate as courts of record in some cases, but those located within 50 miles of a Circuit Court usually will not be considered courts of record.
Oregon Municipal Courts
Most incorporated cities within the state establish Oregon Municipal Courts through a charter or ordinance. State law regulates the operations of Municipal Courts, and they have concurrent jurisdiction with Oregon Circuit and Justice Courts over some misdemeanors and violations committed or triable in their city.
However, Justice Courts lack authority over felonies or certain drug-related misdemeanors, as stated in Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 423.478.
Municipal Courts in Oregon primarily hear cases related to traffic crimes and violations, including those involving vehicle forfeitures and impoundments. These courts also handle municipal ordinances and code violations, such as high grass, animal, and waste nuisances.
Additionally, Municipal Courts have the authority to hear parking and pedestrian violation cases and some liquor, tobacco, and drug violations.
Oregon Tax Court
Oregon Tax Court is a specialized court within the Oregon state court system that exclusively handles tax-related disputes. This court is unique because it has statewide jurisdiction, meaning it can hear cases from any county within the state.
The court hears many tax-related cases, including property taxes, income taxes, corporate excise taxes, cigarette taxes, timber taxes, local budget law, and property tax limitations.
When the Department of Revenue is interested in a property, the Tax Court and Circuit Courts share some jurisdiction over the validity of certain property transfers and the priority of property tax liens.
Oregon court system consists of not only trial courts but also appellate courts such as the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court. These higher courts serve as a means for individuals to appeal rulings made by lower trial courts, allowing for a more thorough and fair judicial process. Additionally, these appellate courts manage certain Oregon Court Records.
What are the Common Public Court Records in Oregon?
Oregon court system offers a broad array of court records to the public, providing transparency and access to essential legal information. The following types of court records are among the most commonly accessed in the state:
Oregon Civil and Small Claims Records
Oregon Civil Court Records and Small Claims Court Records differ regarding monetary limitations, cases involved, procedures, and the court responsible. These records are essential in maintaining transparency and accountability in the legal system.
Regarding monetary limitations, Small Claims Court Records contain cases involving claims of up to $10,000. On the other hand, Civil Court Records document cases that involve claims that exceed $10,000.
Small Claims Court Records involve less complex cases, such as small claims related to personal property damage or unpaid debts. On the other hand, Civil Court Records involve more complex cases, such as contract disputes, medical malpractice, and personal injury lawsuits.
Civil Court cases usually involve lawyers representing the parties involved, and the court proceedings follow strict legal procedures. Conversely, Small Claims Court is less formal, and parties are not required to have legal representation. The rules of evidence and procedure are less strict in Small Claims Court than in Civil Court.
The court responsible for handling most Small Claims Court Records is the Oregon Justice Court, while the Circuit Court is responsible for managing Civil Court Records. But if there is no Justice Court in the city, Oregon Small Claims Court Records are in the Circuit Court.
To access Oregon Civil Court Records and Small Claims Court Records, one can visit the courthouse that filed the case and request the case records.
Individuals must provide valid identification, provide case information, follow court rules, and respect privacy in accessing these records. These requirements are in place to ensure authorized access, protect privacy, and prevent misuse of the documents.
What Information Do Oregon Civil and Small Claims Records Contain?
Oregon Civil Court Records and Small Claims Court Records contain information about legal cases in these courts. The information contained in these records may vary depending on the type of case but generally includes:
- Case information, such as the case number, the names of the parties involved, and the case filing date
- Court proceedings, such as transcripts of court hearings, motions filed by the parties, and court orders.
- Documents submitted as evidence, such as contracts, medical records, and police reports
- Judgments or the decision made by the judge or jury, and the award or penalty granted to the prevailing party
- Documents related to any appeals made to a higher court
Oregon Criminal Records
Oregon Criminal Records refer to a collection of official documents containing information on individuals convicted of criminal offenses within the state. These records may include the offender's name, date of birth, physical description, arrest details, charges, sentencing information, and other relevant data.
Criminal records in Oregon play a crucial role in public safety and law enforcement. Employers, landlords, and other organizations use them to conduct background checks on prospects before employing or renting decisions.
Law enforcement agencies also use these records to monitor criminal activities, track down suspects, and conduct investigations. Additionally, the courts and correctional institutions rely on these records to ensure that individuals convicted of crimes are appropriately monitored and supervised.
Various state law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional institutions maintain these records. They are accessible through different channels, such as online databases, background check services, or by visiting the relevant agency's office.
How To Obtain Oregon Criminal Records
The best way to obtain a criminal record in Oregon is through the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division of the Oregon State Police (OSP). CJIS offers three methods for obtaining criminal records: conducting an online search, visiting the CJIS office in person, or submitting a request by mail.
Obtaining a criminal record in the fastest way possible can be done through the Open Records portal, where individuals can search for name-based criminal records for themselves or others.
However, a charge is associated with using this portal to obtain a criminal history report. The fee varies depending on whether the requester is searching for their record or someone else's. The requester can receive the report through email or traditional mail.
In addition to online search, seekers can complete the appropriate form for in-person and mail-in requests.
To make a request, the CJIS provides separate request forms for personal and third-party criminal history searches. After completing the required form, the requester must arrange the applicable payment and enclose the application document in a self-addressed, postage-paid envelope to be delivered in person or by mail to the CJIS address.
It's worth noting that processing a criminal record request in Oregon can take up to 14 business days from receipt. It is because the CJIS must notify the third party about the criminal record request. If the third party does not contest the accuracy of the criminal record, the CJIS will process the request based on the number of submissions received.
Oregon Traffic Records
One of the standard Oregon Court Records is the traffic records. Oregon Traffic Records are official documents that provide information on an individual's driving history and road usage within the state.
The public can access these records, and they are a valuable source of information for various purposes, such as verifying a driver's history, conducting research, or investigating accidents.
An Oregon Traffic Record typically contains the following information:
- Subject's names and aliases
- Make, model, year, and license plate number of the vehicle
- Driver's license
- License suspensions or revocations
- Any charges or citations, including the infraction type, fine amount, and court that issued it
- Any convictions, including the date of the conviction, the offense, and the penalty imposed
- A summary of the driver's driving history, including any previous traffic violations or accidents
- Any additional information, such as witness statements, police reports, or photos
In addition to state courts, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and other law enforcement agencies generate and maintain traffic records in Oregon.
In Oregon, accessing traffic records is simple. Contacting the Oregon DMV is all that is required to access traffic records. The DMV also provides an online service that allows users to access DMV profiles, inspect traffic or driving records, and order such records. Furthermore, interested parties may request DMV records via postal mail.
Different types of records are available, such as three-year employment driving records, three-year non-employment driving records, open-ended non-employment driving records, and certified court prints.
Oregon Probate Records
In Oregon, the Circuit Courts or County Courts in the county where the deceased person resided at their death handle the legal process of probate. Probate involves the distribution of a decedent's assets among their heirs and beneficiaries.
Oregon Probate Records are a valuable resource for anyone researching their family history or trying to locate a property a deceased relative may have owned.
These records contain a wealth of information, including the deceased person's name, date of death, and the names of their heirs and beneficiaries. Probate records in Oregon also provide a detailed inventory of the decedent's assets, including real estate, personal property, and financial accounts.
Additionally, probate records may contain information about any debts or obligations owed by the deceased person and any claims made against their estate.
Interested parties can obtain Oregon Probate Records from the Circuit Court or County Court in the county where the deceased person resided at their death. They can visit these courts in person to access the records.
To access probate records in person, interested parties should first contact the appropriate court in the relevant county to inquire about their policies and procedures for accessing probate records. They may need to fill out a request form or provide identification to access any information or documents on the records.
Furthermore, the Oregon State Archives of the Office of the Secretary of State has a collection of probate records that date back to the territorial period. These records are accessible in person at the archives or by submitting an online request form.
Oregon Family Records
Oregon Family Records refer to the legal documentation and records that pertain to the proceedings and outcomes of cases heard in family courts in the state.
The information found on Oregon Family Records from courts can vary depending on the specific case and the type of document being reviewed. However, these records may contain the following standard information:
- The names and contact information of the parties involved in the case
- The date and location of the court hearings and proceedings
- The details of the legal issues, such as divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, adoption, and guardianship
- The decisions made by the court
- The terms and conditions of any agreements or settlements reached by the parties involved in the case
- Any evidence presented in the case, including documents, witness testimony, and expert opinions
- Transcripts of the court proceedings
Courts generally restrict access to Oregon Family Records to the parties involved in the case and their attorneys. However, the court may make these records available to the public in certain circumstances. For instance, if a case involves a minor or public interest requires disclosure, the court may allow access to the records.
Given that family courts are a division of the Oregon Circuit Courts, the office of the Circuit Court Clerk in the county where the matter occurred generates and distributes family court records.
To obtain family court records in Oregon, visit the Circuit Court Clerk that holds them and request them in person. The requester may need to fill out forms and provide identification before receiving the records.
Another method is to send a written request by mail. Generally, the request must include details such as the record type, date range, and the purpose for obtaining them.
Oregon Bankruptcy Records
Trial courts maintain the majority of Oregon Court Records. However, bankruptcy records are administered explicitly by the federal court in the state, which is the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Oregon.
Oregon Bankruptcy Records refer to the official documents that detail the bankruptcy proceedings of individuals or businesses in the state. They can provide valuable information on the financial history and status of the debtor.
When an individual or business files for bankruptcy in Oregon, they must provide detailed financial information to the court, including a list of all creditors, the amount owed, and any assets and liabilities. This information determines the type of bankruptcy most appropriate for the debtor and establishes a payment plan or discharge of debts.
The public can access Oregon Bankruptcy Records, often used by creditors, lenders, and other interested parties to assess an individual's or business's creditworthiness. They can also be helpful for researchers and historians who study economic trends and financial history.
Federal law governs access to Oregon Bankruptcy Records and imposes certain restrictions on who can access them and for what purposes.
These records are generally available for personal or business use, but federal law prohibits their use for marketing or solicitation purposes. Additionally, certain information, such as social security numbers or sensitive financial information, may be redacted or restricted for privacy reasons.
Once obtained, one can typically access the following information from an Oregon Bankruptcy Record:
- Debtor's name and address
- Date and type of bankruptcy filing
- Bankruptcy case number
- Court-assigned trustee or judge
- List of creditors and the amount owed
- List of assets and liabilities
- Payment plan or discharge of debts
- Notices and pleadings filed in the case
- Specifics of a court proceeding or meeting of creditors
- Court orders and judgments
- Any amendments or modifications to the bankruptcy plan
How To Obtain Bankruptcy Records in Oregon
At the clerk's offices, copies of Oregon Bankruptcy Records are available for duplicating or inspection. Each office's lobby has a computer a seeker can use to search for bankruptcy-related information. They can also print documents for a fee per page.
If the requestor cannot retrieve the desired document from the computer, the clerk's office staff can locate it for them. Apart from the per-page fee, a search fee is charged when doing so.
In addition to in-person requests, the clerk handles mail-in requests for records. A written request may be sent via mail to the clerk's office to obtain paper bankruptcy records. Similar fees apply in choosing this method.
Each written request must include the debtor's name, the case number, the requested document, the requestor's name, delivery address, and phone number. Written requests may be sent to the Portland or Eugene office of the Oregon bankruptcy court.
Individuals can also request electronic copies of bankruptcy records via email by filling out the court's contact form. Each request must include the debtor's name, the bankruptcy case number, and the requested information or document description. The email service is free of charge. Typically, the court responds to email requests within two business days.
Furthermore, the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) service provides fee-based electronic access to Oregon Bankruptcy Records. Before searching for bankruptcy records in the system's database, interested parties must first register.
Lastly, interested parties can get free basic bankruptcy information through the Voice Case Information Service (VCIS). VCIS users who wish to conduct a free bankruptcy case search must dial (866) 222-8029.
Does Oregon Have a Case Search?
Oregon does have a case search system that allows users to search for Oregon Court Records online. The Oregon case search system, called OJCIN (Oregon Judicial Case Information Network) OnLine, is available through the OJD website. It incorporates the services provided by Access ACMS, Access OECI, OJD eFile, and Appellate eFile.
The OJCIN OnLine system only provides access to publicly accessible records. Interested parties must sign in with their registered accounts or create accounts if they do not already have one to obtain these available records. Note that there is a significant fee associated with creating a new account.
In addition to OJCIN, the OJD provides free online access to unofficial court case records from Circuit Courts. In this free online tool, one must enter the case number or the full names of the parties involved in the case to search for court case information.
If the desired court records are unavailable in the Oregon case search systems, one can request the records from the appropriate court clerk who filed the case.
Interested parties can use the Find a Court portal to locate a court. It provides the court's contact information, location, and website.
After identifying the correct court, interested parties must send a request via mail or in-person to access the records. They can submit written requests or request forms in person or via mail, depending on the type of requested court records.
To process the request and obtain a certified court record copy in Oregon, one must settle the payment first and provide the essential information during requests, such as the type of record, names of parties involved, and the number of copies required.
It is also vital to include the requestor's personal information, such as their name, address, phone number, and email address (if available).
Counties in Oregon
- Baker
- Benton
- Clackamas
- Clatsop
- Columbia
- Coos
- Crook
- Curry
- Deschutes
- Douglas
- Gilliam
- Grant
- Harney
- Hood River
- Jackson
- Jefferson
- Josephine
- Klamath
- Lake
- Lane
- Lincoln
- Linn
- Malheur
- Marion
- Morrow
- Multnomah
- Polk
- Sherman
- Tillamook
- Umatilla
- Union
- Wallowa
- Wasco
- Washington
- Wheeler
- Yamhill