Umatilla County Public Records /Umatilla County Court Records

Umatilla County Court Records

What Is Umatilla County Court Records

Court records in Umatilla County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's jurisdiction. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of judicial activities maintained by the Umatilla County Circuit Court and other judicial bodies operating within the county.

Court records typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
Docket sheets chronicling case events and filing history
Judicial orders and final judgments
Hearing and trial transcripts
Exhibits admitted into evidence
Sentencing records in criminal matters
Marriage records and divorce decrees
Probate and estate administration documents

Pursuant to Oregon Revised Statutes § 192.311, court records are distinct from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics, and tax assessments, which are maintained by separate county departments. The Oregon Judicial Department maintains court records through its various courts, including:

Circuit Courts (general jurisdiction)
Tax Court (specialized jurisdiction)
Court of Appeals (appellate jurisdiction)
Supreme Court (highest appellate jurisdiction)

Within Umatilla County, the Circuit Court handles civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters. Historical court records dating back to the county's formation in 1862 may be found in the Umatilla County Records Inventory maintained by the Oregon State Archives.

Are Court Records Public In Umatilla County

Court records in Umatilla County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Oregon's public records laws and the state's commitment to judicial transparency. Under Oregon Revised Statutes § 192.314, every person has the right to inspect any public record of a public body in Oregon, subject to specific exemptions.

The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

Civil case files (with limited exceptions for sealed cases)
Criminal case files (post-charging)
Judgments and court orders
Docket sheets and case indices
Court calendars and hearing schedules

However, certain records may be restricted from public access pursuant to Oregon Uniform Trial Court Rules (UTCR) Chapter 3, which governs confidentiality and sealed records. These restrictions typically apply to:

Juvenile proceedings (except as provided in ORS 419A.255)
Adoption records
Mental health commitment proceedings
Records containing sensitive personal information
Cases sealed by judicial order

The Oregon Judicial Department has established the Umatilla County Circuit Court Records Division to facilitate public access to court records while ensuring compliance with applicable privacy protections and confidentiality requirements.

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon are governed by federal access policies rather than state regulations.

How To Find Court Records in Umatilla County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Umatilla County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The Oregon Judicial Department currently provides multiple pathways for record retrieval:

In-Person Requests:

Visit the Umatilla County Circuit Court Records Division during regular business hours
Complete a records request form specifying the case number or party names
Present valid identification if requesting certified copies
Pay applicable fees for copies or certification

Umatilla County Circuit Court - Pendleton
216 SE 4th Street
Pendleton, OR 97801
541-278-0341
Umatilla County Circuit Court

Umatilla County Circuit Court - Hermiston
915 SE Columbia Drive
Hermiston, OR 97838
541-667-3020
Umatilla County Circuit Court

Written Requests:

Submit a written request to the court clerk's office
Include case number, party names, and specific documents needed
Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery
Include payment for applicable fees (check or money order)

Online Access:

Access the Oregon Judicial Department's Online Records Search
Register for an account if accessing restricted information
Search by case number, party name, or filing date
View basic case information at no charge
Pay applicable fees for document downloads

For historical records not available through current systems, researchers may need to contact the Oregon State Archives, which maintains older Umatilla County court records.

Pursuant to Oregon Revised Statutes § 192.324, the custodian of public records shall furnish proper and reasonable opportunities for inspection and examination of records during regular business hours.

How To Look Up Court Records in Umatilla County Online?

Umatilla County court records are accessible through several online platforms maintained by the Oregon Judicial Department. These digital resources provide convenient access to case information without requiring a visit to the courthouse.

The primary online portal for Umatilla County court records is the Oregon Judicial Case Information Network (OJCIN), which includes two main components:

Oregon eCourt Case Information (OECI):

Navigate to the Oregon eCourt Case Information portal
Select "Umatilla County" from the jurisdiction dropdown menu
Search by case number, party name, or attorney name
Review basic case information available at no charge
Register for a subscription to access additional documents ($15 monthly fee)

This system provides access to:

Circuit court case registers
Party information
Hearing schedules
Judgment information
Filed document listings

Appellate Case Management System (ACMS):

Access the Appellate Court Records Search
Search for Umatilla County cases appealed to higher courts
View case status, briefs, and opinions

For criminal history information, authorized users may access the Oregon eCourts Criminal History Portal, which provides:

Statewide criminal history searches
Case status verification
Disposition information

The Oregon Judicial Department also maintains the Oregon Judicial Department Calendars system, which allows users to view upcoming court dates for Umatilla County cases.

These online services operate under the authority of Oregon Uniform Trial Court Rule 22.110, which establishes standards for electronic access to court records.

How To Search Umatilla County Court Records for Free?

Umatilla County residents and other interested parties may access certain court records without incurring fees. Oregon law, specifically ORS § 192.324(4), guarantees the right to inspect public records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents.

Free access options include:

In-Person Inspection:

Visit the Umatilla County Circuit Court during public counter hours
Request to view specific case files with the clerk
Examine documents on-site at no charge
Take notes or use personal devices to capture information (subject to court rules)

Free Online Resources:

Oregon Judicial Department's Case Information - Provides free access to basic case information including:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Party names
- Case types and status
- Scheduled hearings
- Register of actions (docket entries)
Oregon State Court Administrator's Calendars - Offers free access to:
- Daily court calendars
- Scheduled hearing information
- Judge assignments
Umatilla County Records Index - Provides free searchable index for:
- Land records
- Marriage records
- Select historical court documents

While basic case information is available without charge, fees apply for:

Document copies ($0.25 per page for standard copies)
Certified copies ($5.00 per document plus copy fees)
Complete case file copies (variable fees based on volume)
Subscription-based access to full document images online

The Oregon Judicial Department maintains these free access options in accordance with the state's commitment to transparency in government operations and judicial proceedings.

What's Included in a Umatilla County Court Record?

Umatilla County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but generally include the following components:

Civil Case Records:

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 (if ordered)
Final judgment or dismissal
Post-judgment filings and satisfaction documents

Criminal Case Records:

Charging documents (information, indictment)
Arraignment records
Bail and release information
Pre-trial motions and rulings
Discovery documents (when filed with court)
Plea agreements
Trial exhibits and transcripts
Verdict or finding
Sentencing documents
Post-conviction relief filings

Family Law Records:

Petition for dissolution or legal separation
Parenting plans
Child support worksheets and orders
Property division agreements
Temporary orders
Final dissolution judgments
Modification requests and orders

Probate Records:

Will (if testate)
Petition for probate
Inventory of estate assets
Claims against the estate
Personal representative reports
Distribution plans
Final accounting
Closing orders

Small Claims Records:

Claim form
Proof of service
Defendant's response
Judgment
Satisfaction documents

Each case file also contains a register of actions (docket sheet) that chronologically lists all events and filings in the case. This serves as an index to the complete case record and provides a summary of the case's procedural history.

The Oregon Judicial Department maintains these records in accordance with ORS § 7.010, which establishes requirements for court record keeping.

How Long Does Umatilla County Keep Court Records?

Umatilla County Circuit Court retains records according to the retention schedules established by the Oregon State Court Administrator under the authority of ORS § 8.125. These schedules vary by case type and document classification:

Criminal Case Records:

Felony cases: 75 years from date of final disposition
Misdemeanor cases: 25 years from date of final disposition
Violation cases: 10 years from date of final disposition
Capital punishment cases: Permanent retention

Civil Case Records:

General civil litigation: 10 years after final disposition
Domestic relations cases: 75 years from date of filing
Probate cases: 10 years after estate closing
Guardianship/conservatorship: 75 years from date of filing
Small claims: 10 years after final judgment
Forcible entry and detainer: 10 years after final disposition

Juvenile Records:

Dependency cases: 75 years from date of filing
Delinquency cases: Until the juvenile reaches age 25, or 10 years after jurisdiction ends, whichever is longer

Administrative Records:

Court calendars: 2 years
Exhibits: Returned to parties after appeal period expires; unclaimed exhibits destroyed after notice
Jury records: 2 years after jury service ends
Financial records: 7 years

The Oregon State Archives may assume custody of court records with historical significance after their required retention period expires. These records become part of the permanent archival collection and remain accessible to researchers and the public.

Digital records maintained in the Oregon eCourt system are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records, though the electronic format facilitates longer-term storage. The transition to electronic record-keeping began in Umatilla County in 2012 as part of the statewide Oregon eCourt implementation.

Types of Courts In Umatilla County

Umatilla County's judicial system consists of several courts operating within Oregon's unified court structure. Each court has specific jurisdiction and handles distinct case types:

Umatilla County Circuit Court - Pendleton
216 SE 4th Street
Pendleton, OR 97801
541-278-0341
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Umatilla County Circuit Court

Umatilla County Circuit Court - Hermiston
915 SE Columbia Drive
Hermiston, OR 97838
541-667-3020
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Umatilla County Circuit Court

The Circuit Court is Oregon's trial court of general jurisdiction, handling both civil and criminal matters. It operates as part of Oregon's unified court system under the administrative authority of the Oregon Judicial Department.

Municipal Courts:

Pendleton Municipal Court
501 SW Emigrant Avenue
Pendleton, OR 97801
541-966-0227
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Pendleton Municipal Court

Hermiston Municipal Court
180 NE 2nd Street
Hermiston, OR 97838
541-567-5521
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Hermiston Municipal Court

Municipal courts handle violations of city ordinances, traffic infractions, and certain misdemeanors occurring within city limits.

Justice Court:

Umatilla County Justice Court
4700 NW Pioneer Place
Pendleton, OR 97801
541-278-0341
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Umatilla County Justice Court

The Justice Court handles minor criminal matters, traffic violations, small claims, and certain civil matters in unincorporated areas of the county.

Oregon's court hierarchy progresses from these local courts to the Oregon Court of Appeals and ultimately to the Oregon Supreme Court, both located in Salem. Appeals from Umatilla County Circuit Court decisions are directed to:

Oregon Court of Appeals
1163 State Street
Salem, OR 97301
503-986-5555
Oregon Court of Appeals

Oregon Supreme Court
1163 State Street
Salem, OR 97301
503-986-5555
Oregon Supreme Court

This hierarchical structure ensures that legal matters receive appropriate review and that judicial precedents are consistently applied throughout the state.

What Types of Cases Do Umatilla County Courts Hear?

Umatilla County's courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictional authority. The distribution of case types among the county's courts is as follows:

Umatilla County Circuit Court:

Criminal Division:

Felony prosecutions
Misdemeanor cases
Criminal appeals from municipal and justice courts
Post-conviction relief proceedings
Probation violation hearings
Extradition matters

Civil Division:

General civil litigation (claims exceeding $10,000)
Real property disputes
Contract controversies
Personal injury and tort claims
Civil appeals from lower courts
Administrative law reviews

Family Division:

Divorce and legal separation proceedings
Child custody and parenting time determinations
Child and spousal support matters
Paternity establishment
Adoption proceedings
Juvenile dependency cases
Juvenile delinquency adjudications
Domestic violence protective orders

Probate Division:

Estate administration
Will contests
Guardianships and conservatorships
Mental health commitments
Trust administration disputes

Municipal Courts (Pendleton, Hermiston, etc.):

City ordinance violations
Traffic infractions occurring within city limits
Parking violations
Certain misdemeanors committed within city boundaries
Code enforcement matters

Umatilla County Justice Court:

Traffic violations in unincorporated areas
Boating and wildlife violations
Small claims (up to $10,000)
Landlord-tenant disputes
Minor misdemeanors
Civil disputes under $10,000
Dog control violations

The jurisdiction of these courts is established by ORS Chapter 3 (Circuit Courts), ORS Chapter 51 (Justice Courts), and ORS Chapter 221 (Municipal Courts).

Cases may move between courts through the appeals process or jurisdictional transfers. For example, a case exceeding the monetary limits of Justice Court jurisdiction would be transferred to the Circuit Court for adjudication.

How To Find a Court Docket In Umatilla County

Court dockets in Umatilla County provide chronological listings of all proceedings and filings in a case. These valuable records help track case progress and identify scheduled hearings. Members of the public can access docket information through several methods:

Online Docket Access:

Visit the Oregon Judicial Department's Records Search
Select "Umatilla County" from the location dropdown
Search by case number, party name, or attorney
View the register of actions (docket) for the selected case
Note that while basic docket information is free, document access may require subscription

In-Person Docket Review:

Visit the Umatilla County Circuit Court clerk's office during business hours
Request the docket for a specific case by providing the case number or party names
Review the docket on public access terminals or request a printed copy (fees may apply)

Umatilla County Circuit Court - Pendleton
216 SE 4th Street
Pendleton, OR 97801
541-278-0341

Umatilla County Circuit Court - Hermiston
915 SE Columbia Drive
Hermiston, OR 97838
541-667-3020

Court Calendar Access:

Access the Oregon Judicial Department's Court Calendars
Select Umatilla County from the location options
View upcoming hearings organized by date, judge, or case type
Identify cases of interest on the daily calendar

Historical Docket Research:

Contact the Oregon State Archives for historical court dockets
Provide the approximate time period and case information
Schedule a research appointment if necessary

For cases in Municipal or Justice Courts, contact those courts directly as their dockets may not be included in the centralized Oregon Judicial Department system:

Pendleton Municipal Court
501 SW Emigrant Avenue
Pendleton, OR 97801
541-966-0227

Hermiston Municipal Court
180 NE 2nd Street
Hermiston, OR 97838
541-567-5521

Umatilla County Justice Court
4700 NW Pioneer Place
Pendleton, OR 97801
541-278-0341

Court dockets are maintained pursuant to ORS § 7.020, which requires courts to keep records of all proceedings.

Which Courts in Umatilla County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Oregon's judicial system, a distinction exists between "courts of record" and "courts not of record." This classification determines whether proceedings are officially recorded and transcribed, affecting appeal procedures and the preservation of case history.

Under ORS § 1.510, courts of record must maintain comprehensive documentation of all proceedings, including verbatim transcripts when requested. Conversely, courts not of record maintain more limited documentation and appeals from these courts typically result in trials de novo (new trials) rather than reviews of the record.

In Umatilla County, the following courts are classified as courts not of record:

Municipal Courts:

Pendleton Municipal Court
Hermiston Municipal Court
Stanfield Municipal Court
Milton-Freewater Municipal Court
Umatilla Municipal Court

Justice Court:

Umatilla County Justice Court

These courts typically handle:

Traffic violations
City ordinance violations
Minor misdemeanors
Small claims
Certain civil matters under statutory limits

The practical implications of a court being "not of record" include:

Appeals result in new trials in Circuit Court rather than record review
No official court reporter or recording is required by law
Proceedings may be less formal than in courts of record
Documentation requirements are less stringent

By contrast, the Umatilla County Circuit Court is a court of record, as are all Circuit Courts in Oregon. This designation requires:

Official recording of all proceedings
Maintenance of verbatim transcripts when requested
Comprehensive case file documentation
Appeals based on review of the trial record

This distinction is established by the Oregon Constitution and implemented through ORS Chapter 51 (Justice Courts) and ORS Chapter 221 (Municipal Courts).