Deschutes County Court Records Search

Deschutes County court records are stored at the Circuit Court in Bend, Oregon. The courthouse on NW Bond Street handles all civil, criminal, family, and probate cases for the county. You can search Deschutes County records online through the state system or visit the courthouse in person. The Records File Room on the first floor helps the public with searches and copies. Deschutes County is one of the fastest growing counties in Oregon, and the court sees a high volume of filings each year. Staff can assist you with finding cases by name or case number.

Deschutes County Circuit Court

The Deschutes County Circuit Court is at 1100 NW Bond Street in Bend, OR 97703. The building was built in 1978 and holds all courtrooms and the jury room. You must pass through a security check when you enter. The court is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays. The phone number is 541-388-5300.

Deschutes County also has a Juvenile Community Justice Building at 63360 NW Britta Street in Bend. This site handles juvenile matters. The main courthouse on Bond Street is where you go for all other Deschutes County court records and filings. You can file new cases, view existing files, and pick up copies at the clerk window on the first floor.

The Deschutes County Circuit Court website has links to records, forms, and court calendars for the Bend area.

Deschutes County is a busy court with a large caseload. Bend has grown fast in recent years, and the court handles more cases each year as the population rises.

How to Search Deschutes County Records

You can find Deschutes County court records through free and paid online tools. The OJD Records and Calendar Search gives free access to basic case data for all Oregon courts. Search by party name or case number. You can see case types, filing dates, and court dates for Deschutes County cases at no cost.

For deeper access, use the OJCIN system. This paid tool holds the full register of actions for Deschutes County cases. It shows every filing, hearing, and order in a case. You need a subscription to use it. The setup fee is $150, and there is a monthly charge after that. Under ORS 193.077, the state shares records online, but the official record stays at the courthouse in Deschutes County.

You can also search in person. Go to the first floor of the courthouse at 1100 NW Bond Street. The Information Kiosk at Window 4 lets you view case data. Staff in the Records File Room can help you find what you need in Deschutes County.

Deschutes County Case File Copies

The Records File Room at the Deschutes County courthouse handles all copy requests. You can ask for copies in person, by mail, or through the state online form. The staff keeps all documents in the local court files and aids the public with record searches and copies.

To get copies by mail from Deschutes County, send a letter with the following details:

• Full names of the people in the case
• Case number or the year the case was filed
• Which documents you want or the entire file
• How you want copies sent: by email or hard copy
• Whether you need certified or regular copies
• Your name and contact details

Include a check made out to the State of Oregon. If you do not know the exact cost, you can send a not-to-exceed check of up to $30.00. Mail your request to Deschutes County Circuit Court, Attn: File Room Department, 1100 NW Bond Street, Bend, OR 97703. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want hard copies back.

Deschutes County only sends copies by email, in person, or by mail. The court does not use CDs or other media for copies, even though the statewide form may list those options. Under ORS 21.345, copy fees are 25 cents per page for standard copies and $5.00 for certified copies.

All requests in Deschutes County are handled on a first come, first served basis. Expect a wait during busy weeks.

Note: Deschutes County does not provide copies on CD or other physical media despite what the statewide form may indicate.

Bend Municipal Court Records

The City of Bend runs its own Municipal Court at 555 NE 15th Street, Bend, OR 97701. Judge Erin Zemper leads the court. It handles city code violations and is part of the city government, not the state court system. The phone number is 541-388-5572. Press 9 to talk to a clerk. Hours are 9:00 AM to noon and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM on weekdays.

The Bend Municipal Court is not a court of record. This means there is no official transcript of its hearings. If you want to appeal a case from the Bend Municipal Court, you file the appeal with the Deschutes County Circuit Court. The circuit court charges a fee for filing the appeal. Forms for pleas, payment plans, and other matters are on the court forms page. The court does not accept forms by email. You must submit them in person or by mail.

A locked drop box sits near the court entrance. You can drop off payments or forms there at any time, day or night. The Bend Municipal Court is inside the Bend Police building at the base of Pilot Butte.

Public Access to Deschutes County Cases

Most court records in Deschutes County are open to the public. Oregon's public records law, ORS 192.311, sets a strong rule that government records should be available to all. You do not need to be part of a case to view its file. Anyone can walk into the Deschutes County courthouse and ask to see a case.

Some records are off limits. Juvenile cases are sealed under ORS 419A.255. Adoption files are also private. Cases under the Violence Against Women Act and mental health matters may be sealed as well. The Deschutes County clerk can tell you if a file has any restrictions before you make a request.

Note: Audio recordings of Deschutes County court proceedings are available through the court's transcript resources page.

Deschutes County Record Expungement

Oregon law lets you ask to set aside certain criminal records. Under ORS 137.225, you file a motion with the Deschutes County Circuit Court. You need a fingerprint criminal history check from the Oregon State Police. The court will review whether your case qualifies. Not all crimes can be set aside. Wait times range from one to three years based on the type of offense.

If the Deschutes County court grants your motion, the record is sealed from most public searches. The Oregon State Bar can help you find a lawyer for this process. Call 1-800-452-7636 for a referral.

Nearby Counties

Deschutes County borders Jefferson County, Crook County, Lake County, Klamath County, and Lane County. Bend sits in the center of the county along the Deschutes River. If your case was filed in a different county, you will need to contact that county's circuit court for records.