Washington County Court Records Lookup
Washington County court records are managed by the Circuit Court in Hillsboro, Oregon. As the second most populous county in the state, Washington County handles a high volume of case filings each year. The Circuit Court maintains records for civil, criminal, family, and probate cases. You can search Washington County court records through online state tools or visit the courthouse in person. The Public Records Review Room in Hillsboro gives walk-in access to case files and documents.
Washington County Quick Facts
Washington County Circuit Court
The Washington County Circuit Court is one of the busiest courts in Oregon. It serves more than 600,000 residents across cities like Hillsboro, Beaverton, Tigard, Tualatin, and Sherwood. The court handles every case type, from traffic violations to major felonies. Civil suits, family law matters, and probate cases are all filed here.
Washington County has a long history. In 1846, the district of Tuality in the Oregon Territory became Tuality County. By 1849, the name changed to Washington County. The first county government was set up in 1853 with three judges, a sheriff, and a treasurer. The first courthouse was a log cabin on a 40-acre plot near what is now NW 253rd Avenue. Over more than 150 years, the courthouse has moved and changed several times, but it still stands as the center of justice for the county. Today the court operates from the Justice Services Building in Hillsboro. You can learn more at the Washington County Circuit Court page.
The Public Records Review Room is in Room 110J at the Justice Services Building, 150 N 1st Avenue, Hillsboro. Walk in during business hours to review case files and court documents.
| Court |
Washington County Circuit Court Justice Services Building 150 N 1st Avenue Hillsboro, OR 97124 Phone: (503) 846-8888 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | courts.oregon.gov/courts/washington |
Search Court Records in Washington County
There are several ways to search Washington County court records. The quickest way is through the OJD Records and Calendar Search. This free tool covers all 36 Oregon circuit courts. You can search by party name or case number to find basic case data, filing dates, hearing schedules, and case status for Washington County cases.
The OJCIN OnLine system gives deeper access to Washington County court records. Subscribers can view the official register of actions and judgment dockets through the Oregon eCourt Case Information portal. This is a paid service with a $150 setup fee and a monthly charge. Court staff update the database daily. While the data is near real time, the official record remains at the courthouse in Hillsboro.
In-person searches are another option. Visit the Public Records Review Room at the Justice Services Building. Free public access terminals are set up there for looking up case information. Staff can also help you find specific filings. Call the clerk office first to confirm what you need to bring. You can also visit the Washington County records page for details on requesting copies.
Note: Online records may not include sealed, confidential, or restricted cases filed in Washington County.
Washington County Court Docket
The Washington County court docket and calendar show upcoming hearings, trials, and other proceedings. This tool helps residents, attorneys, and other parties stay informed about the timing and location of cases. All docket and calendar data comes from publicly available court records kept by official sources.
You can access the docket online through the Oregon Judicial Department website. Search by name, case number, or date to find scheduled court events. You can also visit the clerk office during business hours to view the daily schedule in person.
The state court website provides guidance on how to find a case or court record in any Oregon county, including Washington County.
Staying aware of court dates is important. If you miss a hearing in Washington County, the court may issue a bench warrant or enter a default judgment. Check the docket regularly if you have an active case.
Types of Washington County Records
Washington County courts handle a broad range of legal matters. Court records document the full life of each case, from the first filing to the final judgment. These records are open to the public with few exceptions.
Court records in Washington County typically show the claims made, sworn statements, names of the parties and their attorneys, the judge who presided, the filing date, and docket details. Civil cases cover disputes over money, property, and contracts. Criminal cases document charges, pleas, trials, and sentences. Family court records include dissolution filings, custody orders, and support modifications. Probate records cover wills, estates, and guardianship matters.
- Civil lawsuit filings and judgments
- Criminal charges and sentencing records
- Family court orders and dissolution decrees
- Probate and estate documents
- Traffic violation records
- Restraining orders and protective orders
Public Access to Washington County Cases
Under ORS 192.311, most court records in Washington County are public. Anyone can ask to view or copy them. You do not need to be part of the case. The law defines a public record as any document prepared, owned, or kept by a government body in relation to its work. This covers filings, motions, orders, and judgments at the Washington County Circuit Court.
Some records stay out of public view. Juvenile cases are protected under ORS 419A.255. Adoption, mental health, and certain domestic violence records are also restricted. The register of actions under ORS 7.020 is the official court record for each case in Washington County. This log tracks every filing, hearing, and ruling in a case. It is kept at the courthouse in Hillsboro.
Setting Aside Court Records
Oregon law lets eligible people set aside certain criminal convictions. Under ORS 137.225, you can file a motion with the Washington County Circuit Court to have a record sealed. The wait varies. Class A misdemeanors need three years. Class B and C misdemeanors need one year. Dismissed charges can be cleared right away.
To start, file the motion at the courthouse in Hillsboro. You will need a fingerprint-based criminal history check from the Oregon State Police. The court reviews your motion and may schedule a hearing. If the motion is granted, the record is set aside and removed from public access in Washington County.
Note: Not every conviction qualifies for expungement under Oregon law, so check your eligibility before filing in Washington County.
Nearby Counties
Washington County borders Multnomah County, Clackamas County, Yamhill County, Columbia County, and Tillamook County. Each county has its own Circuit Court. If your case was filed in a different county, contact that court for records. The county where the case was filed holds the official record.