Deschutes County Court Records Lookup

The following is for information purposes only

Deschutes County, Oregon, with just over 199,300 residents, is just one out of the 36 counties within the state. Centrally located, its county seat is Bend, and the area it covers is 3,055 sq. miles. Named for the Deschutes River, this county was created in 1916 from part of Crook County. This county is considered to be an economic and political hub of central Oregon and has a well-organized court system to serve the diverse needs of its community. The courts are the backbone of justice and where legal disputes get resolved fairly and efficiently.

The court system in Deschutes County has the Circuit Court, the trial court with general jurisdiction which handles felony criminal cases, big civil cases, family law, juvenile cases. The Circuit Court also handles probate and guardianship cases. There are also Municipal Courts within the cities in the county that handle city ordinance violations, traffic cases, and minor criminal matters. The Justice Court handles traffic and ordinance violations, small claims, and certain civil matters.

Court records in Deschutes County are kept by the Deschutes County Circuit Court Clerk's office. These records include case documents, dockets and other filings and are available to the public as per state laws. The Oregon Judicial Department has an online portal, OJD Records and Calendar Search, where you can search for court records. If you prefer in person, the Clerk of Court's office at the Deschutes County Courthouse can help you with your records request. This way, we can be transparent and build public trust in the system. Additionally, for access to any sealed or confidential files, an in-person visit to the Cler's Office is required because they are the ones who have authorized personnel able to access such records. There may be certain cases that need a court order, but they can guide you through the proper process.

Every year Deschutes County Circuit Court handles around 15,000 cases which include criminal, civil, family law, and juvenile cases. With a crime rate of around 169 per 100,000 residents, the court system in Deschutes County is the backbone of addressing and resolving legal issues in the community.

In conclusion, Deschutes County has a court system that can handle all types of legal issues. From the Circuit Court to the Justice Court, each one is important. As Deschutes County grows and develops, the court system is well-equipped to continue to uphold justice in the community.