Clackamas County Court Records
What Is Clackamas County Court Records
Court records in Clackamas County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of judicial activities maintained by the Clackamas County Circuit Court and other judicial bodies operating within the jurisdiction. Pursuant to Oregon Revised Statutes § 192.311, court records are defined as information relating to the conduct of the public's business that is prepared, owned, used, or retained by a public body.
Court records typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and petitions
- Docket sheets chronicling case events and filings
- Court orders and judicial decisions
- Judgments and decrees
- Hearing and trial transcripts
- Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
- Sentencing information in criminal matters
- Marriage and divorce records
- Probate and estate documentation
These records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics, or tax assessments, which are maintained by separate county departments rather than the court system.
In Clackamas County, court records are maintained by several judicial entities:
- Clackamas County Circuit Court (handling felonies, major civil cases, domestic relations)
- Municipal Courts (handling city ordinance violations)
- Justice Courts (handling minor offenses in unincorporated areas)
- Probate Court (handling wills, estates, guardianships)
- Family Court (handling domestic relations matters)
- Small Claims Court (handling minor civil disputes)
The Oregon Judicial Department maintains these records according to established protocols under Oregon Uniform Trial Court Rules Chapter 11, which governs record creation, maintenance, and access.
Are Court Records Public In Clackamas County
Court records in Clackamas County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Oregon's Public Records Law (ORS § 192.311-192.478) and the state's constitutional commitment to open courts. Article I, Section 10 of the Oregon Constitution establishes that "justice shall be administered openly," creating a presumption of public access to judicial proceedings and records.
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Civil case files (with certain exceptions for sensitive information)
- Criminal case files after formal charges have been filed
- Judgments, orders, and official court decisions
- Docket sheets and case indices
- Court calendars and hearing schedules
- Marriage and divorce records
- Probate proceedings
However, not all court records are publicly accessible. Certain categories of information are protected by statutory exemptions or court rules, including:
- Juvenile dependency and delinquency records (except as provided in ORS § 419A.255)
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health commitment records
- Records sealed by court order
- Certain family law matters involving children
- Information protected by attorney-client privilege
- Social Security numbers and financial account information
- Victim information in certain cases
The Oregon Judicial Department's Supplementary Local Rules for Clackamas County provide additional guidance on record access. It is important to note that federal court records in Oregon are governed by separate federal rules and policies, not by state public records laws.
How To Find Court Records in Clackamas County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Clackamas County may utilize several methods to locate and access judicial documentation. The Oregon Judicial Department maintains comprehensive systems for record retrieval that accommodate both in-person and remote access options.
To obtain court records in Clackamas County:
- Identify the specific case information needed (case number, party names, filing date)
- Determine which court holds the records of interest
- Select the appropriate access method based on record type and urgency
In-Person Requests:
Individuals may visit the Clackamas County Circuit Court to examine public records during regular business hours:
Clackamas County Circuit Court
807 Main Street
Oregon City, OR 97045
503-655-8447
Clackamas County Circuit Court
The court provides public access terminals for searching case information in the Oregon eCourt Case Information (OECI) system. Visitors should:
- Present identification at the court clerk's office
- Complete a records request form
- Pay applicable fees for copies ($0.25 per page for standard copies)
- Allow processing time for extensive or archived records
Written Requests:
For those unable to visit in person, written requests may be submitted via:
- Mail: Send a detailed request letter to the court address above
- Email: Submit requests to the court records department
- Fax: Transmit completed request forms to the designated records fax number
All written requests should include case numbers (if known), party names, approximate case dates, and specific documents needed. Pursuant to ORS § 192.324, the court must acknowledge receipt of public records requests within five business days.
Attorney Requests:
Licensed attorneys may access additional case information through the Oregon Judicial Department's secure attorney portal with proper credentials and case involvement verification.
How To Look Up Court Records in Clackamas County Online?
Clackamas County offers several digital platforms for accessing court records electronically. The Oregon Judicial Department's online services provide convenient remote access to many court documents without requiring a courthouse visit.
The primary online resources include:
Oregon eCourt Case Information (OECI)
This comprehensive database contains records for cases filed in Clackamas County Circuit Court and other state courts. To access:
- Visit the Oregon Judicial Department Records Search
- Select "Oregon eCourt Case Information"
- Create a free account or log in as a guest
- Choose search parameters (case number, party name, date range)
- Review search results and select specific cases to view
- Access available documents (note that some documents require subscription)
The OECI system provides case registers, party information, hearing dates, and judgment details. Document images may require additional fees or subscriptions.
OJCIN OnLine Subscription Service
For more comprehensive access, the Oregon Judicial Case Information Network (OJCIN) OnLine offers subscription-based services:
- Complete case register access
- Document image retrieval
- Financial information
- Judgment details
- Appellate case management system access
Subscription fees vary based on user type and access level, with options for attorneys, government agencies, and general public users.
Municipal Court Records
Some Clackamas County municipalities maintain separate online portals for accessing municipal court records. These systems typically require:
- Navigating to the specific city's court website
- Creating a user account or accessing as a guest
- Entering case-specific search criteria
- Reviewing available case information
Users should note that pursuant to ORS § 192.345, certain sensitive information may be redacted from online records, and some case types have restricted access even in digital format.
How To Search Clackamas County Court Records for Free?
Clackamas County provides several no-cost options for accessing court records in compliance with Oregon's commitment to transparent judicial proceedings. Under ORS § 192.324(4), public bodies may waive or reduce fees when making records available primarily benefits the general public.
Free In-Person Access:
The Clackamas County Circuit Court offers complimentary on-site access to court records through public terminals located at:
Clackamas County Circuit Court
807 Main Street
Oregon City, OR 97045
503-655-8447
Clackamas County Circuit Court
Visitors may:
- Use public access computers during regular business hours (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday)
- Search the Oregon eCourt Case Information system without charge
- View case registers, party information, and case schedules
- Take notes on case information
While viewing records is free, printing or obtaining official copies typically incurs standard fees ($0.25 per page).
Free Online Resources:
The Oregon Judicial Department provides limited free online access through:
-
Oregon Judicial Department Records Search - Basic case information is available without subscription, including:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Party names
- Case types
- Hearing schedules
- Register of actions (list of filings)
-
Find a Case or Court Record - This portal allows users to search for cases by name or case number without fees.
-
Court Calendars - Daily hearing schedules are publicly available through the Oregon Judicial Department website.
Free Access for Qualifying Individuals:
Pursuant to Oregon Uniform Trial Court Rule 4.090, the court may waive fees for:
- Individuals with proof of indigency
- Qualifying non-profit organizations
- Government agencies
- Parties to the case (limited free access to their own case documents)
To request fee waivers, individuals must complete the appropriate court forms demonstrating financial hardship or statutory qualification for reduced fees.
What's Included in a Clackamas County Court Record?
Court records in Clackamas County contain comprehensive documentation of judicial proceedings, with contents varying by case type and court jurisdiction. The Oregon Judicial Department maintains these records in accordance with ORS § 7.010, which establishes requirements for court record content and maintenance.
Civil Case Records typically include:
- Complaint or petition initiating the action
- Summons and proof of service
- Defendant's answer or response
- Motions filed by either party
- Court orders and rulings
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Transcripts of hearings (when prepared)
- Final judgment or dismissal
- Post-judgment filings and satisfaction documents
- Appeal notices and related documentation
Criminal Case Records generally contain:
- Charging documents (indictment, information, or complaint)
- Arraignment documentation
- Bail and release information
- Pre-trial motions and rulings
- Discovery materials (with restrictions)
- Plea agreements or trial information
- Verdict forms
- Sentencing documents
- Probation reports (with restricted access)
- Post-conviction relief filings
- Appeal documentation
Family Law Records typically include:
- Petition for dissolution or legal separation
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Child support worksheets and orders
- Financial disclosure statements (with restricted access)
- Property division agreements
- Temporary and permanent orders
- Mediation summaries (when not confidential)
- Final judgment documents
Probate Records generally contain:
- Will (if applicable)
- Petition for probate or administration
- Inventory of estate assets
- Claims against the estate
- Accountings
- Distribution plans
- Orders appointing personal representatives
- Final accounting and closing documents
Each court record also includes a register of actions (docket sheet) that chronologically lists all events and filings in the case, providing a comprehensive index to the case file contents.
How Long Does Clackamas County Keep Court Records?
Clackamas County adheres to the Oregon Judicial Department's records retention schedule, which establishes standardized timeframes for preserving various categories of court documents. These retention periods are governed by ORS § 7.120 and the Oregon Judicial Department's Records Management Policy.
Permanent Retention: The following records are maintained indefinitely:
- Judgments and final decrees in all cases
- Orders affecting title to real property
- Probate case files involving real property
- Adoption records
- Mental commitment proceedings
- Felony case files with Class A or B felonies
- Civil cases involving significant monetary judgments
- Domestic relations cases with custody determinations
- Court registers (docket sheets)
- Naturalization records
Extended Retention Periods:
- Felony cases (Class C): 75 years after final disposition
- Domestic relations cases: 75 years after final judgment
- Civil cases with money judgments: 10 years after satisfaction or expiration
- Probate cases not involving real property: 30 years after closing
- Guardianship/conservatorship: 75 years after final accounting
- Juvenile dependency: 75 years after case closure
- Juvenile delinquency: 75 years after jurisdiction terminates
Standard Retention Periods:
- Misdemeanor cases: 25 years after final disposition
- Violation cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Small claims cases: 10 years after final judgment
- Civil cases without judgments: 10 years after final disposition
- Traffic violations: 5 years after final disposition
- Parking violations: 2 years after final disposition
After the designated retention period expires, court records may be destroyed according to established protocols. However, the court maintains indices and registers of destroyed cases permanently to document their existence. Certain historically significant cases may be preserved beyond standard retention periods and transferred to the State Archives.
Digital records in the Oregon eCourt system are subject to the same retention schedules as paper records, though technological capabilities may allow for longer practical retention of electronic documents.
Types of Courts In Clackamas County
Clackamas County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and authority. These courts operate within Oregon's unified court system under the administrative oversight of the Oregon Judicial Department.
Clackamas County Circuit Court
807 Main Street
Oregon City, OR 97045
503-655-8447
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Clackamas County Circuit Court
The Circuit Court is the court of general jurisdiction handling felonies, major civil cases, domestic relations matters, probate, and juvenile cases. It is organized into specialized departments:
- Criminal Department
- Civil Department
- Family Court Department
- Probate Department
- Juvenile Department
Municipal Courts
Several municipalities within Clackamas County operate municipal courts handling violations of city ordinances, traffic infractions, and minor misdemeanors:
Lake Oswego Municipal Court
380 A Avenue
Lake Oswego, OR 97034
503-635-0217
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Lake Oswego Municipal Court
West Linn Municipal Court
22500 Salamo Road
West Linn, OR 97068
503-656-4261
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
West Linn Municipal Court
Oregon City Municipal Court
625 Center Street
Oregon City, OR 97045
503-657-8154
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Oregon City Municipal Court
Justice Courts
Clackamas County formerly operated Justice Courts with limited jurisdiction over minor civil matters, traffic violations, and misdemeanors in unincorporated areas. These functions have been absorbed by the Circuit Court.
Appellate Courts
While not physically located in Clackamas County, cases from the county may be appealed to:
Oregon Court of Appeals
1163 State Street
Salem, OR 97301
503-986-5555
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Oregon Court of Appeals
Oregon Supreme Court
1163 State Street
Salem, OR 97301
503-986-5555
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Oregon Supreme Court
The court hierarchy follows a standard progression: Municipal/Justice Courts → Circuit Court → Court of Appeals → Supreme Court, with each higher court reviewing decisions from lower courts according to established appellate procedures.
What Types of Cases Do Clackamas County Courts Hear?
Clackamas County courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters according to their jurisdictional authority as established by Oregon statutes. Each court within the county's judicial system handles specific categories of cases based on case type, severity, and geographic jurisdiction.
Clackamas County Circuit Court handles:
-
Criminal Cases
- Felonies (all classes)
- Misdemeanors
- Criminal appeals from municipal courts
- Post-conviction relief proceedings
- Probation violations
-
Civil Cases
- General civil litigation exceeding $10,000
- Real property disputes
- Contract disputes
- Personal injury claims
- Professional malpractice
- Civil appeals from small claims court
-
Family Law Matters
- Divorce and legal separation
- Child custody and parenting time
- Child and spousal support
- Modifications of existing orders
- Domestic violence restraining orders
- Juvenile dependency and delinquency
- Adoptions and name changes
-
Probate Proceedings
- Wills and intestate succession
- Estate administration
- Guardianships and conservatorships
- Trust administration disputes
- Mental health commitments
-
Small Claims Division
- Civil disputes not exceeding $10,000
- Landlord-tenant matters
- Consumer issues
- Minor property damage claims
Municipal Courts in Clackamas County typically handle:
- Traffic violations within city limits
- Parking infractions
- City ordinance violations
- Minor misdemeanors
- Code enforcement matters
These courts operate under authority granted by ORS § 221.339, which establishes municipal court jurisdiction.
Specialized Proceedings:
Clackamas County Circuit Court also conducts specialized court programs, including:
- Drug Court for substance abuse-related offenses
- Mental Health Court for defendants with mental illness
- Veterans Treatment Court for eligible veterans
- Family Treatment Court for dependency cases involving substance abuse
Cases may be transferred between courts based on jurisdictional requirements, venue considerations, or consolidation needs. The Oregon Judicial Department maintains oversight of all court operations to ensure consistent application of state laws and procedures.
How To Find a Court Docket In Clackamas County
Court dockets in Clackamas County provide chronological listings of scheduled hearings, filings, and judicial actions for specific cases. These records serve as the official index of court proceedings and are accessible through several channels established by the Oregon Judicial Department.
Online Docket Access:
The most efficient method for locating court dockets is through the Oregon Judicial Department's online records system. To access docket information:
- Visit the Oregon Judicial Department's Records and Calendar Search portal
- Select "Smart Search" or "Case Records Search" depending on available information
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, attorney, or date range)
- Review search results to identify the relevant case
- Select the case to view the register of actions (docket)
The online system displays:
- Chronological listing of all case events
- Filing dates and document titles
- Scheduled hearing dates and times
- Judicial assignments
- Party and attorney information
In-Person Docket Research:
For cases not available online or requiring certified copies, individuals may visit:
Clackamas County Circuit Court
807 Main Street
Oregon City, OR 97045
503-655-8447
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Clackamas County Circuit Court
Court staff can assist with:
- Accessing public terminals for docket searches
- Locating physical case files for review
- Providing certified copies of docket entries
- Explaining court schedules and calendars
Daily Court Calendars:
For upcoming hearings, the court's daily calendar provides a schedule of all proceedings:
- Access the Oregon Judicial Department website
- Select "Court Calendars"
- Choose Clackamas County Circuit Court
- Select the relevant date and courtroom
- Review the list of scheduled hearings
Calendars typically display:
- Case numbers and party names
- Hearing types and scheduled times
- Assigned judges and courtrooms
- Attorney information when available
Pursuant to Oregon Uniform Trial Court Rule 5.050, court calendars are published at least one day in advance of scheduled proceedings, though last-minute changes may occur.
Which Courts in Clackamas County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Clackamas County, certain judicial bodies operate as "courts not of record," meaning they do not maintain official verbatim transcripts of their proceedings. This distinction, established under ORS § 51.020, affects appeal procedures and record-keeping requirements for these courts.
Municipal Courts in Clackamas County generally function as courts not of record, including:
Lake Oswego Municipal Court
380 A Avenue
Lake Oswego, OR 97034
503-635-0217
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Lake Oswego Municipal Court
West Linn Municipal Court
22500 Salamo Road
West Linn, OR 97068
503-656-4261
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
West Linn Municipal Court
Oregon City Municipal Court
625 Center Street
Oregon City, OR 97045
503-657-8154
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Oregon City Municipal Court
As courts not of record, these municipal courts:
- Do not routinely create verbatim transcripts of proceedings
- Maintain case files with written documents and orders
- Record judgments and dispositions in writing
- May use audio recording equipment, but not for official transcript purposes
- Handle appeals through a process of trial de novo (new trial) in Circuit Court
This contrasts with courts of record, such as the Clackamas County Circuit Court, which:
- Create and maintain official verbatim records of all proceedings
- Employ court reporters or electronic recording systems
- Produce official transcripts upon request
- Handle appeals based on the record created at trial
The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is significant for appellate purposes. When appealing from a court not of record, the case receives a completely new trial in Circuit Court rather than a review of the existing record for legal errors. This process is governed by ORS § 53.010, which establishes procedures for appeals from courts not of record.
Individuals with cases in municipal courts should be aware of this distinction when considering potential appeals, as the process differs substantially from appeals in courts of record.
Lookup Court Records in Clackamas County
Clackamas County Circuit Court
Court Records in Clackamas County