Crook County Court Records

Crook County court records are kept by the Circuit Court in Prineville, the county seat. The court moved to a new site in late 2024, and all case files are now stored at the new building on NW 2nd Street. You can search Crook County records online or visit the courthouse to view files in person. The court holds civil, criminal, family, and probate records going back to 1882 when the county was first formed. Staff at the Crook County clerk window can help you find cases by name or case number and provide copies of documents from the file.

Crook County Circuit Court

The Crook County Circuit Court is the trial court for all cases filed in the county. It hears civil, criminal, family, and probate matters. The court moved to a new location at 260 NW 2nd Street, Suite 300, Prineville, OR 97754 on October 28, 2024. All court files and records are now at this new site. The phone number is 541-447-6541, and the court is open from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM on weekdays. Katie Slattery serves as Court Administrator for Crook County.

The Crook County Circuit Court website has details on the new building and how to reach the court. You must pass through a check point when you enter. The clerk window is on the main floor. Staff can help you file new cases, look up old ones, and get copies of court papers. Walk-in visits are handled on a first come, first served basis at the Crook County courthouse.

Crook County was formed in 1882 from the south part of Wasco County. It was named for Major General George Crook, a U.S. Army officer. The county seat has been in Prineville since the start. Court records in Crook County go back to 1882, the year the county was first set up.

How to Search Crook County Records

You can look up court records in Crook County in three ways. First, the Oregon Judicial Department offers free online access to court dates and basic case data through the OJD Records and Calendar Search. This tool lets you search by name or case number across all Oregon courts, including Crook County. You can see case types, filing dates, and hearing dates at no cost.

Second, the OJCIN system gives more in-depth access to Crook County court records. OJCIN stands for Oregon Judicial Case Information Network. It holds the full register of actions and judgment dockets for all circuit courts. You need a paid account to use it. Under ORS 193.077, the state can share court records online, but the official record stays at the local courthouse in Crook County.

Third, you can visit the Crook County courthouse at 260 NW 2nd Street in Prineville. The lobby has kiosk computers where you can view documents from newer cases. For older files that have not been put into the digital system, ask the clerk to pull the paper file for you. This may take some time.

Note: Kiosk access at the Crook County courthouse is free, but printed copies cost extra based on page count.

Crook County Court Record Copies

To get copies from a Crook County court file, you can fill out the online copy request form on the Crook County records page. The form asks for the case number, the names of the people in the case, and which papers you want. You can also print the form and bring it to the clerk window, send it by mail, or fax it to the court.

Court staff will add up the cost after they get your request. Under ORS 21.345, standard copies cost 25 cents per page. Certified copies cost $5.00 per document plus the per page charge. If you want copies sent by mail, the court will add postage to your bill. You must pay all fees before the court will make any copies for your Crook County records request.

Record requests in Crook County are handled on a first come, first served basis. Busy times may cause delays.

Types of Crook County Court Records

The Crook County Circuit Court keeps several types of case files. Each type has its own set of documents. Most are open to the public under the Oregon Public Records Law, ORS 192.311. Some records are sealed or kept private by law.

The main record types at the Crook County court include:

• Civil case files such as lawsuits, small claims, and contract disputes
• Criminal case files with charges, pleas, and sentences
• Family law cases including divorce, custody, and support
• Probate records for estates and guardianships
• Traffic cases and violation records

The court also keeps a register of actions for each case, as required by ORS 7.020. This is a log of every event in the case. It shows what was filed, when hearings took place, and what orders the judge made. The register of actions is the official record of the court in Crook County. It does not include the full text of documents, just a list of what happened and when.

The Oregon Judicial Department provides a statewide records and calendar search tool that covers Crook County and all other Oregon circuit courts.

Some Crook County records have limits on who can see them. Adoption and juvenile cases are private. You need a court order or special permission to view those files. Mental health cases and matters under the Violence Against Women Act are also kept from public view.

Public Access to Crook County Cases

Most court records in Crook County are open to the public. You do not need to be part of the case to view them. Oregon law sets a strong rule that government records should be available to all. This applies to court files in Crook County just as it does in every other county in the state.

There are some types of records you cannot get without a court order. Juvenile court records are private under ORS 419A.255. Only the young person, their parents, lawyers, and some state agencies can see those files. Adoption records also have strict privacy rules in Crook County. If you think you have a right to see a sealed file, ask the clerk how to file a motion with the court.

Note: The Crook County clerk cannot give legal advice but can tell you what forms to use for a records request.

Crook County Record Expungement

Oregon law lets some people set aside their criminal records. This is called expungement. Under ORS 137.225, you may be able to clear certain convictions from your Crook County court record after a waiting period. The time you must wait depends on the type of crime. Class A misdemeanors have a three-year wait. Class B and C misdemeanors have a one-year wait. Some felonies can also be set aside.

To start the process in Crook County, you file a motion with the Circuit Court. You also need a fingerprint-based criminal history check from the Oregon State Police. The court will review your case and decide if the record can be sealed. If granted, the record will no longer show up in most public searches.

Historical Court Records in Crook County

Crook County has court records going back to 1882. These old files can be useful for legal research or family history work. The Oregon State Archives holds some historical Crook County records on microfilm. You can view them at the Archives in Salem or through library loan.

The county clerk also has marriage records and land records from 1882. These are kept at a separate office from the court. For very old cases, you may need to check both the court and the county clerk. The Crook County Circuit Court can tell you if a file is still at the courthouse or if it has been sent to the state archives.

Note: Very old Crook County case files may take more time to pull since they are stored off-site or on microfilm.

Nearby Counties

Crook County borders Deschutes County, Jefferson County, Wheeler County, and Grant County. If you are not sure which county your case was filed in, check the address where the events took place. The Crook County Circuit Court only handles cases that fall within its borders.