Klamath County Court Records Lookup
Klamath County court records are maintained at the Circuit Court in Klamath Falls. The courthouse at 316 Main Street stores all case files for civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters. Klamath County was formed in 1882 from the western part of Lake County and was named after the Klamath people. The court has kept records since that year. You can search cases through the state online tools or visit the courthouse to review files and request copies. Court staff help the public access Klamath County court records during regular business hours.
Klamath County Quick Facts
Klamath County Circuit Court
The Klamath County Circuit Court operates from the courthouse at 316 Main Street in Klamath Falls. The current courthouse was completed in 1998. It replaced the old building that was torn down after the 1993 earthquake damaged it. All visitors must pass through a security screening station when they enter the building.
Court hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The clerk office closes for lunch from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM each day. The Trial Court Administrator is John Powell. The ADA Coordinator is Fawna Anderson. Call 541-883-5503 for court information. The mailing address is Klamath County Circuit Court, 316 Main Street, Klamath Falls, OR 97601.
Visit the Klamath County Circuit Court website for current details on hours and services.
| Court |
Klamath County Circuit Court 316 Main Street Klamath Falls, OR 97601 Phone: (541) 883-5503 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Mon-Thu 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Fri 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Clerk closed 12-1 PM) |
| Administrator | John Powell |
Search Klamath County Court Records Online
The Oregon Judicial Department runs online systems that let you search Klamath County court records from home. The primary tool is the Oregon Judicial Case Information Network, which includes the Oregon eCourt Case Information system. You can search by case number, party name, attorney name, or filing date range. The system shows case summaries, party details, the register of actions, hearing schedules, and judgment data.
Basic case data is free through the OJD Records and Calendar Search. This tool covers all 36 Oregon circuit courts. For full access to docket entries and some filed documents, you need a paid OJCIN OnLine subscription. The setup fee is $150. Monthly charges depend on your usage level. Under ORS 193.077, the state can provide electronic access to court records, but the official record stays at the courthouse in Klamath Falls.
Note: Court staff update the online database daily, but some delays may occur between filing and entry into the system.
Requesting Records in Klamath Falls
You can request court records at the clerk window in the Klamath County Courthouse. Walk in during business hours with your case number or the name of a party in the case. Staff will look up the file and help you find what you need.
The courthouse has public access terminals where you can search case data at no cost. These kiosks show basic case information for most Klamath County cases. For copies of documents from a case file, the court charges fees under ORS 21.345. Standard copies are $0.25 per page. Certified copies cost $5.00 per document. Fees must be paid before copies are produced. If you need copies mailed to you, postage charges are added to the total. You can also submit a records request form if you prefer not to visit in person.
Keep in mind that the clerk office closes for lunch from noon to 1:00 PM. Plan your visit around that break to avoid a wait at the Klamath County courthouse.
Types of Klamath County Court Records
The Klamath County Circuit Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction. It hears all case types regardless of the amount of money or the nature of the charge. Each case creates a file that the clerk stores at the courthouse.
Common court records in Klamath County include:
- Civil case files for lawsuits and contract disputes
- Criminal case files for felony and misdemeanor charges
- Family law records for divorce, custody, and support
- Probate files for estates and guardianships
- Traffic and violation cases
Every case has a register of actions as required by ORS 7.020. This is the official log of each event in the case. It shows every document filed, every hearing held, and every order entered by the court. The register serves as the legal record of the case in Klamath County. It does not contain copies of the documents, just a log that they were filed.
Public Access in Klamath County
Most court records in Klamath County are open to the public. Oregon law under ORS 192.311 makes documents held by public bodies accessible to anyone. You do not need to be part of a case to view its records.
Some types of records are restricted. Juvenile cases are sealed under ORS 419A.255. Adoption files are closed. Mental health proceedings and cases under federal law may also be restricted. Records that have been expunged under ORS 137.225 will not appear in any search. The clerk in Klamath Falls can help you find out which records are open and which require a court order to access.
The Oregon Judicial Department provides statewide tools for searching court records, including cases filed in Klamath County.
Use the free OJD search or the paid OJCIN system to look up Klamath County cases online.
Klamath County Court History
Klamath County was created in 1882 from the western part of Lake County. The Klamath people gave the county its name. Court records go back to that year. The county clerk also keeps marriage records and land records from 1882. The county seat has always been Klamath Falls.
The 1993 earthquake caused major damage to the old courthouse. The county built a new courthouse that opened in 1998. This modern building now houses all court operations. The Oregon State Archives may hold older Klamath County records that were transferred for long-term storage. These historic files can be useful for property research and family history work in Klamath County.
Note: Security screening is required for all visitors entering the Klamath County Courthouse on Main Street.
Nearby Counties
Klamath County borders Lake County, Jackson County, Douglas County, Deschutes County, and the state of California. If your case was filed in a nearby county, you will need to contact that court for records. The clerk in Klamath Falls can help you determine where to search if you are unsure which court holds the file you need.