Union County Criminal Records Search

Union County criminal court records are maintained at the Circuit Court in La Grande, Oregon. Located in the northeastern part of the state, Union County handles criminal cases through its single courthouse on 4th Street. You can search for these records online or request them by mail. The court keeps files for all criminal matters filed in the county. This page explains where to look, what forms you need, and how the process works when searching for criminal case records in Union County.

Union County Circuit Court Criminal Records

The Union County Circuit Court is at 1001 4th Street in La Grande. It serves the entire county, including all rural areas east of the Blue Mountains. The court processes felonies, misdemeanors, and violations. Each case creates a file held by the court clerk. These files are public under ORS 192.311, which defines public records in Oregon. Most criminal case documents are open for anyone to view.

The image below shows the Union County Circuit Court page where you can find contact details and court hours.

Criminal case files in Union County hold several types of documents. The charging instrument starts the case. Plea entries, motions, and orders follow. The final judgment closes the file. All of these are stored by the clerk and can be viewed by the public. Sealed cases are the exception. A judge must issue an order to close a file from view.

How to Search Union County Criminal Court Records

Online access is the fastest path. The Oregon eCourt system lets you search by name or case number from any device. The free Oregon Judicial Department search shows basic case data and upcoming court dates. For deeper details, use the OJCIN portal. That paid service gives you full docket entries and party names for Union County cases.

You can also visit the courthouse in La Grande. Walk in during business hours. Ask the clerk to pull a case. Bring a valid ID. You may view the file at the counter. Copies cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies are $5 each. Exemplified copies run $10. Processing takes 5 to 7 business days for mail requests.

Note: Call the court before you visit to confirm current hours, as they may vary by season in Union County.

Union County Criminal Case Types

The court handles three main categories of criminal cases. Felonies are the most serious. They include crimes like assault, theft over a certain value, and drug offenses. Misdemeanors cover less severe acts such as minor theft or disorderly conduct. Violations are the lightest and often involve traffic matters.

A Union County criminal court record for a felony case tends to be lengthy. It may span dozens of pages. The file tracks every step from arrest through sentencing. Misdemeanor files are shorter. Violation files are brief. All three types are part of the public record.

Common documents found in Union County criminal files include:

• Indictment or information from the district attorney
• Arraignment records and bail orders
• Pretrial motions filed by both sides
• Trial records if the case went to trial
• Sentencing documents and final judgment

Union County Records Request Process

The court records page for Union County provides forms and instructions for written requests. The image below shows that page.

To request records by mail, write a letter to the court clerk. Include the full name of the person, their date of birth if known, and the case number if you have it. Send it to 1001 4th Street, La Grande, OR 97850. The clerk will search the system and mail back copies once payment is received. You can pay by check or money order.

Walk-in requests are handled the same day when the file is available. Older cases may need to be pulled from storage. That can add a day or two.

Note: Some older Union County criminal records may not yet be digitized in the eCourt system.

Expungement of Criminal Records in Union County

Oregon allows certain criminal records to be set aside. This is sometimes called expungement. In Union County, you file a motion with the Circuit Court under ORS 137.225. The motion must go to the same court where the conviction was entered. Not every crime qualifies. Serious felonies and certain sex offenses are excluded.

The Oregon Judicial Department expungement page has the forms you need. Fill them out and file with the Union County clerk. The district attorney gets a copy and may file an objection. A judge then decides. If granted, the criminal record is sealed from public view.

Union County Sheriff Records

The Union County Sheriff keeps separate records from the court. These include arrest logs, incident reports, and booking data. Sheriff records document the law enforcement side of a case. Court records track the legal proceedings that follow. You may need both to get a complete picture of a criminal matter in Union County.

Arrest records show who was taken into custody, when, and on what charges. They do not show the outcome of the case. For dispositions and sentences, you need the court file. The sheriff serves La Grande and all unincorporated areas of Union County.

Oregon Public Records Law

Oregon's public records law gives broad access to government documents. Criminal court records fall under this framework. ORS 192.311 defines what qualifies as a public record. Most documents held by the Union County Circuit Court meet this definition. You do not need to give a reason for your request. Anyone may ask for copies.

Exemptions exist for sealed cases and juvenile records. Grand jury materials are also closed. But the bulk of adult criminal case files in Union County are open. The state requires agencies to respond within a reasonable time frame. If a request is denied, you can appeal.

Nearby Counties

Union County borders Baker County to the south and Wallowa County to the east. Grant County lies to the southwest. If a criminal case was filed in a neighboring county, you must contact that county's court. Cases are filed where the alleged crime took place.