Search Portland Court Records

Portland court records are held at the Multnomah County Circuit Court in downtown Portland. As Oregon's largest city with about 650,000 people, Portland generates a high volume of civil, criminal, and family case filings each year. The circuit court serves all of Multnomah County and keeps the official record for each case. You can search for Portland court records online through the Oregon eCourt system or visit the courthouse in person to view case files and get copies of court documents.

Portland Court Records Locations

Portland does not have its own municipal court. All court cases in Portland go through the Multnomah County Circuit Court, which is part of the Fourth Judicial District. The circuit court has four locations that serve the city and the rest of Multnomah County. The Central Courthouse, Justice Center, Juvenile Justice Center, and East County Courthouse each handle different types of cases for Portland residents.

The Central Courthouse sits in downtown Portland. Public transit on TriMet MAX and bus lines runs close to the building. A security check is at the front door, so bring a valid photo ID. The Records Department is on the third floor in Room 3315. Staff there can help you search for court records and order copies of documents from Portland cases.

Note: Parking and traffic violations in Portland are handled through the city or through administrative processes rather than a separate municipal court.

How to Search Court Records in Portland

There are several ways to look up court records in Portland. The free option is the OJD Records and Calendar Search, which shows basic case data like case numbers, filing dates, party names, and hearing dates. You do not need an account for this tool. Just go to the OJD Records and Calendar Search page and select Multnomah County to find Portland cases.

For more detail, use the Oregon eCourt Case Information system through OJCIN OnLine. This paid service gives access to the official Register of Actions and judgment dockets for all Oregon circuit courts, including Multnomah County. You need an active account to use it. The setup fee is $150, and there is a monthly charge after that. OJCIN covers civil, criminal, family, and probate cases filed in Portland.

The Multnomah County courthouse also has a Press Kiosk for on-premises access to court filings. Free public access terminals in the lobby let you search case details at no cost. These terminals show records for most case types, though some files are restricted by law.

To search Portland court records, you will need at least one of these:

• Full name of a party in the case
• The case number
• Filing date or year
• Name of the attorney on the case

Note: Adoption, juvenile, and mental health records are not available through public online searches under Oregon law.

Types of Portland Court Records

The Multnomah County Circuit Court handles a wide range of cases for Portland. As a court of general jurisdiction, it hears cases no matter the subject or the amount of money at issue. Under ORS 7.020, the court keeps a Register of Actions for each case. This log shows every document filed, each hearing held, and all orders or judgments entered. It is the official record of the case.

Common court records in Portland include criminal case files, civil lawsuits, family law matters like custody and support, probate cases, and traffic violations. The court also handles restraining orders, small claims, and landlord-tenant disputes. Each of these creates a file that becomes part of the public record unless sealed or made confidential by a judge.

The Oregon Judicial Department provides access to the Find a Case page where you can learn about your options for looking up Portland court records through state resources.

Requesting Court Records in Portland

You can get copies of court records from Portland cases by visiting the courthouse, sending a request by mail, or using the online request form. The Records Department at the Multnomah County courthouse is in Room 3315. Walk-in requests are taken during business hours on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Oregon Judicial Department website shows the statewide records request form and the current fee schedule for Portland court record copies.

Fees for copies of Portland court records follow the state schedule. Standard copies cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies are $5.00 per document plus the per-page charge. There is also a $3.00 per-request fee. You can pay by credit card, check, or money order. Cash is accepted in person but should not be sent by mail.

For mail requests, send a letter to the Multnomah County Circuit Court Records Department at 1200 SW 1st Ave, Portland, OR 97204. Include the case name, case number, and a list of the specific documents you want. You can also email requests to mul.records@ojd.state.or.us. Staff will respond with the total cost before processing your order.

Note: All fees must be paid in full before the court will process your copy request.

Public Access to Portland Court Files

Oregon law presumes that court records are open to the public. Under ORS 192.311, a public record is any document prepared, owned, or kept by a public body. Court records fall under this law. Most files at the Multnomah County Circuit Court are open for anyone to view.

Some records have limits on access. Juvenile court cases are confidential under ORS 419A.255. Adoption files are also sealed. Mental health cases and matters under the Violence Against Women Act have restricted access too. The court clerk can tell you if a specific Portland case file is available for public review.

The Oregon Judicial Department provides electronic access to court records under ORS 193.077, which authorizes the OJCIN system and other online tools for searching case information in Portland and across the state.

Portland Court Record Expungement

Oregon law allows some court records to be set aside through expungement. Under ORS 137.225, you can ask the court to seal certain criminal records. The waiting period depends on the type of case. For arrests with no charges filed, you can apply 60 days after the notice. Dismissed charges can be set aside at any time. Class A misdemeanor convictions have a three-year wait, while Class B and C misdemeanors have a one-year wait.

To start the process in Portland, you file a motion with the Multnomah County Circuit Court. You also need a current fingerprint card and a criminal history check from the Oregon State Police. The OSP can be reached at (503) 378-3070 or by mail at PO Box 4395, Portland, OR 97208-4395. Processing takes up to 14 business days.

Audio and Digital Court Records

The Multnomah County Circuit Court creates digital audio recordings for all hearings held on the record in Portland. You can request copies of these recordings by using the online request form, sending an email to mul.records@ojd.state.or.us, calling the court, or visiting Room 3315 in person.

To request an audio copy, you need the judge's name, the hearing date, and the case number. The court uses the For The Record (FTR) system. You will need to download the free FTR Player to listen to recordings on your computer. Audio copies can be sent by secure email or on a CD.

The statewide records search provides an online portal where you can look up Portland court records and identify the documents you want before placing your request.

This free search tool covers all Oregon circuit courts. Select Multnomah County from the list to pull up Portland cases by name or case number.

Legal Resources in Portland

Several groups offer help with court matters in Portland. Legal Aid Services of Oregon provides free legal help to people who qualify. Call their intake line at (503) 224-4086 or visit lasoregon.org for details on services in Portland and Multnomah County.

The Oregon State Bar runs a lawyer referral service at (503) 684-3763 or 1-800-452-7636. The Multnomah Bar Association also offers referrals for Portland residents who need an attorney. The Oregon Judicial Department at courts.oregon.gov has court forms, instructions, and guides for people handling their own cases in Portland.

Court forms are free to download. The site groups them by case type so you can find what you need for your matter in Portland.

Multnomah County Court Records

Portland is in Multnomah County, and all court filings go through the Multnomah County Circuit Court. The county court handles cases for several cities, with Portland being the largest. For more on the county court system, fee schedules, and other resources, visit the Multnomah County court records page.

View Multnomah County Court Records