Umatilla County Public Records / Umatilla County Arrest Records

Umatilla County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Umatilla County

Arrest records in Umatilla County are considered public information under Oregon state law. Pursuant to Oregon Public Records Law § 192.311-192.478, government records, including arrest records, are generally accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The Umatilla County Sheriff's Office maintains these records and makes them available in accordance with state transparency requirements.

It is important for members of the public to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a crime through the judicial process. Under Oregon law, both types of records are generally public, though arrest records that did not lead to conviction may be eligible for sealing or expungement under certain circumstances.

The Umatilla County Sheriff's Office Records Division serves as the custodian of arrest records for the county and processes public records requests in compliance with state law. While most arrest information is public, certain details may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, confidential informants, or personal privacy in accordance with exemptions outlined in § 192.345 of the Oregon Public Records Law.

What's in Umatilla County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by the Umatilla County Sheriff's Office contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Residential address
Photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints

Arrest Details:

Date, time, and location of arrest
Arresting agency and officer identification
Circumstances leading to arrest
Whether force was used during arrest
Miranda rights acknowledgment

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statute or ordinance numbers of alleged violations
Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor, violation)
Description of alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number and issuing court
Date warrant was issued
Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Warrant status (served, outstanding, recalled)

Booking Information:

Booking date and time
Booking number and facility
Property inventory taken during booking
Medical screening information (non-confidential)

Bond/Bail Information:

Bail amount set
Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
Release conditions if applicable

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Case number
Scheduled court appearances
Court disposition if completed

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Projected release date if applicable
Housing location within detention facility

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history in Umatilla County
Known associates documented during investigation
Vehicle information related to arrest
Evidence collected during arrest

The Umatilla County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with Oregon state record retention requirements and makes them available to the public through formal records requests, subject to applicable exemptions under state law.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Umatilla County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Umatilla County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county has established procedures to facilitate access to these public records while maintaining compliance with Oregon Public Records Law.

To request arrest records from the Umatilla County Sheriff's Office, individuals may:

Submit a formal public records request through the Umatilla County Records Request portal. This online system allows requestors to specify the exact records sought and provide necessary identifying information.
Visit the Records Division in person during regular business hours to complete a records request form:

Umatilla County Sheriff's Office Records Division
4700 NW Pioneer Place
Pendleton, OR 97801
541-966-3606
Umatilla County Sheriff's Office

Submit a written request via mail to the above address, including:
- Full name of the subject of the record
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Date of incident or arrest (if known)
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
- Specific information being requested
Contact the Records Division by telephone at 541-966-3606 for guidance on records requests.

When requesting records, it is advisable to provide as much specific information as possible to facilitate record location. The Sheriff's Office typically processes requests in the order received, with response times varying based on request volume and complexity. Pursuant to Oregon Public Records Law § 192.324, the agency must acknowledge receipt of a records request within five business days and complete the request within a reasonable time.

Fees may apply for record searches and copies in accordance with the county's established fee schedule. These fees are designed to recover the actual cost of making records available and may be waived or reduced if the request is determined to be in the public interest.

How To Find Umatilla County Arrest Records Online

Umatilla County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests while maintaining compliance with Oregon public records statutes.

The primary online resources for accessing Umatilla County arrest records include:

Umatilla County Sheriff's Office Records Portal - The official county platform for submitting electronic records requests. Users can complete an online form specifying the arrest records they seek and receive digital copies when available.
Oregon Judicial Department's Online Records Search - The state court system maintains an online database of court records, including criminal cases resulting from arrests in Umatilla County. This resource provides case information, hearing dates, and disposition details.
Oregon Offender Search - Maintained by the Oregon Department of Corrections, this database contains information on individuals currently incarcerated or under supervision following conviction. While not a comprehensive arrest database, it provides custody status for those who were arrested and subsequently convicted.

To conduct an effective online search for Umatilla County arrest records:

Gather all available identifying information about the subject, including full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest.
Navigate to the appropriate online resource based on the specific information needed.
Enter the required search parameters, being mindful that more specific information yields more accurate results.
Review the returned records carefully, noting that online systems may not contain complete arrest information due to privacy restrictions and system limitations.
For records not available online, submit a formal records request through the county's electronic request system.

Users should be aware that certain arrest record details may be redacted from online systems in accordance with exemptions under Oregon Public Records Law § 192.345, particularly for cases involving juveniles, sexual crimes, or ongoing investigations.

How To Search Umatilla County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public may access certain Umatilla County arrest records without payment through several no-cost resources established to promote transparency in the criminal justice system. While comprehensive records may require payment of processing fees, the following methods provide free access to basic arrest information:

Umatilla County Jail Inmate Roster - The Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible list of current inmates housed in the county detention facility. This resource provides basic information including name, booking date, and charges for individuals currently in custody.
Oregon Judicial Department's Public Case Information - The state court system offers free online access to basic case information through public access terminals located at the courthouse. While remote online access may require subscription fees, in-person searches at court facilities are available at no cost.
Public Records Reading Room - The Umatilla County Sheriff's Office maintains a designated area where members of the public may review certain non-exempt public records during regular business hours without charge. Visitors may take notes from these records, though copying fees may apply.

Umatilla County Courthouse
216 SE 4th Street
Pendleton, OR 97801
541-278-6200
Umatilla County Circuit Court

Media Reports - Local news outlets often publish information about significant arrests, providing a free, though limited, source of arrest information. These reports typically include basic details about recent arrests of public interest.

When utilizing free resources, requestors should be aware of certain limitations:

Information may be less comprehensive than through formal records requests
Recent arrests may not appear immediately in public databases
Some case details may be restricted from public view
Records for older arrests may not be available through online systems

Pursuant to Oregon Public Records Law § 192.324(5), agencies may waive or reduce fees for records requests when doing so is in the public interest. Individuals facing financial hardship may request a fee waiver when submitting formal records requests.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Umatilla County

Under Oregon law, individuals may petition for the expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access) of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. These processes are governed by Oregon Revised Statutes § 137.225, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedures.

Expungement vs. Sealing: Expungement refers to the complete removal of arrest and conviction records from public view, while sealing restricts access to these records without completely destroying them. In Umatilla County, most successful petitions result in records being sealed rather than physically destroyed, though they become legally non-existent for most purposes.

Eligibility for Expungement: Arrest records in Umatilla County may be eligible for expungement under the following circumstances:

The arrest did not lead to formal charges
Charges were dismissed
The individual was acquitted at trial
The conviction was for certain qualifying misdemeanors or Class C felonies
The required waiting period has elapsed (typically 1-3 years for arrests without conviction, 3-10 years for convictions, depending on offense severity)
The individual has no pending criminal charges or recent convictions

Certain serious offenses, including most sex crimes, child abuse, and certain traffic offenses, are generally ineligible for expungement under Oregon law.

Expungement Process in Umatilla County:

Obtain a complete criminal history report from the Oregon State Police and Umatilla County Sheriff's Office to verify eligibility.
File a petition for expungement with the Umatilla County Circuit Court, including:
- Completed petition form
- Filing fee (approximately $281, though fee waivers may be available)
- Supporting documentation
- Fingerprint card
Serve copies of the petition on the Umatilla County District Attorney and arresting agency.
Attend the scheduled expungement hearing if required by the court.
If granted, obtain certified copies of the expungement order and distribute to relevant agencies, including:
- Umatilla County Sheriff's Office
- Oregon State Police
- FBI
- Arresting agency

The Umatilla County Circuit Court provides standardized forms for expungement petitions. While legal representation is not required, consulting with an attorney familiar with Oregon expungement law is advisable due to the technical nature of the process.

Successful expungement allows individuals to legally deny the existence of the expunged arrest in most circumstances, though certain exceptions exist for specialized employment and licensing purposes.

What Happens After Arrest in Umatilla County?

Following an arrest in Umatilla County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Oregon state law and local procedures. This process typically progresses through several distinct phases:

1. Booking and Initial Detention Upon arrest, individuals are transported to the Umatilla County Jail for processing. During booking, jail staff:

Record personal information
Take fingerprints and photographs
Conduct health screening
Inventory personal property
Enter arrest information into law enforcement databases

2. Initial Appearance and Bail Determination Within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), arrestees appear before a judge who:

Informs them of charges
Advises them of constitutional rights
Determines eligibility for court-appointed counsel
Sets bail or releases on personal recognizance
Issues no-contact orders if applicable

3. Formal Charging The Umatilla County District Attorney's Office reviews arrest reports and determines whether to file formal charges. This decision must typically be made within:

36 hours for individuals held in custody
30 days for individuals released pending charges

The prosecutor may file:

A complaint (for misdemeanors)
An information (for felonies)
Present evidence to a grand jury seeking an indictment (for serious felonies)

4. Arraignment At arraignment, defendants:

Receive formal notification of charges
Enter an initial plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
Receive trial rights advisement
Have counsel appointed if eligible
Receive future court dates

5. Pre-Trial Proceedings Before trial, several proceedings may occur:

Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
Pre-trial motions (to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, etc.)
Plea negotiations
Status conferences
Diversion program placement for eligible cases

6. Trial or Plea Resolution Cases resolve through:

Guilty/no contest plea agreements
Bench trials (judge decides)
Jury trials (guaranteed for charges carrying potential jail time)

7. Sentencing If convicted, sentencing may include:

Incarceration in jail or prison
Probation supervision
Fines and restitution
Community service
Treatment programs
Combination of sanctions

8. Post-Conviction Following conviction, individuals may:

Appeal the conviction or sentence
Seek sentence modifications
Apply for early termination of probation
Petition for expungement after waiting period

Throughout this process, arrest records are maintained by the Umatilla County Sheriff's Office Records Division and become part of the individual's criminal history, accessible through public records requests subject to applicable exemptions.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Umatilla County?

Arrest records in Umatilla County are maintained according to retention schedules established under Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 166, Division 150, which governs law enforcement records retention throughout the state. These schedules establish minimum retention periods, though records may be kept longer at agency discretion.

The primary retention periods for arrest-related records in Umatilla County include:

Arrest Reports (No Charges Filed): Minimum 5-year retention from date of arrest
Arrest Reports (Misdemeanor Charges): Minimum 10-year retention from case closure
Arrest Reports (Felony Charges): Minimum 75-year retention from case closure
Arrest Reports (Major Crimes): Permanent retention for homicide, sex crimes, and other specified serious offenses
Booking Records: Minimum 10-year retention from booking date
Fingerprint Cards: Minimum 75-year retention from collection date
Mugshot Photographs: Minimum 10-year retention from booking date

Different agencies within Umatilla County's criminal justice system maintain separate record systems with distinct retention requirements:

The Umatilla County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest reports, booking information, and investigative files according to state retention schedules.
The Umatilla County District Attorney's Office retains prosecution files, which may include arrest information, typically for 10 years after case closure for misdemeanors and 75 years for felonies.
The Umatilla County Circuit Court maintains case files, including arrest information, according to the Oregon Judicial Department's retention schedule, which generally requires 25-year retention for misdemeanors and 75-year retention for felonies.

These extended retention periods serve several important purposes:

Preservation of evidence for potential appeals or post-conviction proceedings
Documentation for background checks and security clearances
Statistical analysis and crime pattern recognition
Historical documentation of law enforcement activities
Accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system

Even after physical records reach their retention limit, digital information about arrests may persist in law enforcement databases indefinitely, particularly for serious offenses. Records that have been expunged through court order are removed from public access regardless of retention schedules.

How to Find Mugshots in Umatilla County

What Mugshots Are Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process following an arrest. In Umatilla County, these photographs typically include front-facing and profile (side) views of the arrested individual, often accompanied by identifying information such as a booking number and date. Mugshots serve as visual identification records within the criminal justice system.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained In Umatilla County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by the Umatilla County Sheriff's Office as part of the official arrest record. These photographs are stored in the agency's records management system and are considered public records under Oregon law, subject to certain exemptions and restrictions. The Sheriff's Office Records Division serves as the custodian of these images.

Finding Mugshots Members of the public seeking mugshots in Umatilla County may obtain them through several methods:

Submit a public records request specifically for booking photographs to the Umatilla County Sheriff's Office Records Division. Requests should include:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if available)
Visit the Sheriff's Office Records Division in person to complete a records request form:

Umatilla County Sheriff's Office Records Division
4700 NW Pioneer Place
Pendleton, OR 97801
541-966-3606
Umatilla County Sheriff's Office

Submit a request through the county's online public records request portal, specifying that booking photographs are being requested.

Can They Be Found Online Umatilla County does not currently maintain a public-facing online database of mugshots. Unlike some jurisdictions that publish booking photos on jail rosters, Umatilla County has adopted a more restrictive approach to online mugshot publication. This policy reflects growing concerns about the potential negative impacts of publicly accessible mugshots on individuals who may not be convicted of any crime.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially To officially obtain mugshots, requestors must follow the county's established public records request procedure. Fees may apply for search and reproduction of these records, typically:

Records search fee (based on staff time required)
Reproduction fee (per image)
Electronic delivery fee (if applicable)

Requests are processed in accordance with Oregon Public Records Law, which requires agencies to respond within five business days and complete requests within a reasonable time.

Restrictions on Mugshot Access Access to mugshots in Umatilla County is subject to certain restrictions under Oregon law:

Mugshots related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily exempt from disclosure under § 192.345 of the Oregon Public Records Law.
Booking photographs of juveniles are generally not public records unless the case has been transferred to adult court.
Mugshots associated with expunged arrests are removed from public access.
Oregon's mugshot law (ORS 646A.800-646A.806) prohibits commercial websites from charging fees to remove mugshots.

The Sheriff's Office evaluates each request for mugshots individually to ensure compliance with applicable privacy protections and public records laws.