Portland Criminal Records Search
Portland is the most populous city in Oregon with over 650,000 residents. It sits in Multnomah County along the Willamette and Columbia rivers. Criminal court records for Portland cases are filed at the Multnomah County Circuit Court and the Portland Municipal Court. You can search these records online or request them in person. The state court system and local police both maintain records tied to criminal cases that start in Portland.
Portland Criminal Court Records Overview
Criminal cases in Portland split between two courts. The Portland Municipal Court hears city code violations, traffic offenses, and some misdemeanors. More serious crimes go to the Multnomah County Circuit Court. Both courts create public records you can search.
The circuit court at 1200 SW 1st Ave, Portland, OR 97204 handles felony cases and most misdemeanors under state law. This court is part of the Oregon Judicial Department. Each case gets a unique number. That number tracks all filings, hearings, and rulings in the case. Oregon law under ORS 192.311 defines court records as public records, so most criminal case files are open to the public.
The Portland Municipal Court deals with less serious matters. It handles violations of city ordinances and certain low-level criminal charges. Records from this court are kept by the city. They are separate from circuit court files.
Note: Some records may be sealed or expunged under Oregon law, which limits public access to those specific case files.
How to Search Criminal Records in Portland
Several options exist for searching Portland criminal court records. The best method depends on what you need and how fast you need it.
The Oregon Judicial Department runs a free online tool called Oregon eCourt Case Information. You can look up cases by name or case number through the OJD records search page. This covers all circuit court cases in Multnomah County, including Portland. Basic case data is free. It shows charges, dates, and case status.
You can view the state's online records search portal below.
This free tool lets you find case details without going to the courthouse.
For deeper access, the OJCIN subscription service gives more detail. It costs a fee but provides full case information. Many attorneys and researchers use it. You can also visit the courthouse clerk in person at 1200 SW 1st Ave to search records or request copies.
- Free online search through Oregon eCourt
- OJCIN paid subscription for full case details
- In-person requests at the circuit court clerk
- Portland Municipal Court for city-level cases
- Portland Police records for arrest and incident reports
Portland Police Criminal Records
The Portland Police Bureau keeps its own set of records. These include arrest reports, incident reports, and criminal history name checks. Police records differ from court records. They document what happened during an investigation. Court records document the legal process that follows.
You can request police records through the Portland Police Records Division at 1111 SW 2nd Ave, Room 1106, Portland, OR 97204. A criminal history name check costs $2.00 and covers Portland police records only. It does not include other agencies. For a wider search, you would need to check with the Oregon State Police or the court system.
Portland also offers online reporting for minor incidents. You can file certain reports through the CopLogic portal without going to a station. This helps when you need a case number for insurance or other purposes. These reports become part of the police records system.
Note: Police records and court records are maintained by different agencies, so you may need to check both to get the full picture of a criminal case in Portland.
Criminal Case Types in Portland Courts
Portland courts handle a wide range of criminal matters. The type of charge determines which court hears the case and what records are created.
Felonies are the most serious crimes. They include offenses like assault, theft over certain amounts, drug crimes, and violent acts. All felony cases in Portland go to the Multnomah County Circuit Court. These cases produce extensive records. You will find charging documents, motions, hearing transcripts, and judgment entries in felony files. Sentences can include prison time, fines, and probation.
Misdemeanors are less serious. They can be heard at either the circuit court or the municipal court. Common misdemeanors include minor theft, disorderly conduct, and driving under the influence. Records from these cases show the charge, plea, and outcome. Many misdemeanor cases in Portland resolve through plea agreements.
Violations are the least serious. Traffic tickets and minor city code infractions fall here. The Portland Municipal Court handles most of these. While they are not always criminal in the strict sense, they still produce public records you can search.
Portland Criminal Record Expungement
Oregon law allows some criminal records to be expunged. This means the record is sealed from public view. Not all records qualify. The rules depend on the type of crime, the outcome of the case, and how much time has passed.
Under ORS 137.225, a person can ask the court to set aside a conviction in many cases. Certain violent crimes and sex offenses cannot be expunged. The waiting period varies by offense. For most misdemeanors, you must wait at least one year after completing your sentence. For some felonies, the wait can be longer.
The Oregon Judicial Department expungement page has forms and instructions. Portland residents file their motion in Multnomah County Circuit Court. The court reviews the request. If granted, the record is sealed. It will no longer show up in most public searches.
An expunged record still exists in the system. Law enforcement can still see it in some situations. But for most public record searches, it will not appear. This is important to know when searching Portland criminal court records.
Statewide Criminal History Checks
Sometimes a Portland-only search is not enough. The Oregon State Police run a statewide criminal history program through the Criminal Justice Information Services unit. This covers records from all Oregon agencies, not just Portland.
You can see the OSP criminal history records portal below.
A statewide check pulls data from courts, police, and corrections across the state.
The statewide check is useful when you need a broader view. It includes records from all 36 Oregon counties and state-level agencies. Fees apply for this service. Processing times vary based on the type of request.
Portland City Archives and Historical Records
The Portland City Archives holds historical police and court records. These go back many decades. If you need older records that are no longer in the active court system, the archives may have them.
Historical records can include old arrest logs, case files, and court dockets. The archives staff can help you search their collection. Access is free, but copies may have a fee. This is a good resource for anyone researching older criminal cases in Portland.
Multnomah County Criminal Court Records
Portland is the county seat of Multnomah County. The Multnomah County Circuit Court handles all felony cases and most misdemeanors for the entire county. Criminal court records from Portland are filed and stored at this court. For more detail on the county court system, case types, and how to access records across all of Multnomah County, visit the county page.