How Do the Oregon Municipal Courts Work?

Oregon Municipal Courts are established by a charter or ordinance in most incorporated cities of the state. A Municipal Court operates within the boundaries of the city where it is located. The procedures of Municipal Courts are regulated to a large degree by state law. Some Oregon Municipal courts may also be courts of record, although most are not.

Generally, Oregon Municipal Courts have concurrent jurisdiction with Justice and Circuit Courts over all misdemeanors and violations committed in the city where the court is situated. These courts do not have jurisdiction over felonies or designated drug-related misdemeanors, as defined in ORS 423.478. Municipal Courts principally hear the following cases:

• Traffic crimes and violations;
• Violations of municipal ordinances and codes, including animal, high grass, and waste nuisances;
• Vehicle forfeitures and impoundments; and
• Parking and pedestrian violations

Municipal Courts may hear misdemeanor cases committed or triable in the city. However, a city may restrict the exercise of the Municipal Court’s jurisdiction over misdemeanors by the adoption of an ordinance or charter provision. Regardless, the Municipal Courts must retain concurrent jurisdiction with Circuit Courts over misdemeanors formed by the city’s ordinances. This also includes a charter adopted by the city and traffic crimes, as established by ORS 801.545. Also, Municipal Courts hear some minor liquor, tobacco, and drug violations. A municipal judge may conduct weddings anywhere in the state.

Unlike most other state courts, a municipal judge does not need to qualify as an attorney, even though most municipal judges are attorneys. The city council appoints municipal judges to head each Municipal Court. Also, in some cities, the judges are elected instead. The city council or charter determines the qualifications for the office of a judge.

Generally, the qualifications for the office of a municipal judge is as follows:

• Must be a resident of the United States and the state of Oregon
• Must be an Oregon State Bar member of good standing (especially for a judge serving in a Municipal Court of record)
• Must have concluded a course on courts of special jurisdiction offered by the National Judicial College, or finished the course within 12 months after appointment or election as a Justice of the Peace. This also includes any course equivalent to the course described earlier, or any course endorsed by the Supreme Court’s Chief Justice.

However, if exigent occurrences prevent a municipal judge from finishing a required course, the presiding judge of the judicial district may grant the municipal judge one extension of time to complete the course. However, the extension may not exceed 12 months. The presiding judge may also require the municipal judge to complete varying additional educational requirements when an extension is granted. Note that any person appointed to serve temporarily as a municipal judge must possess the qualifications for the office of a municipal judge as described above.

A municipal judge is elected to a six-year term in a nonpartisan election. The retirement age for a judge in Oregon is 75 years. At this age, a Justice of the Peace must retire even if still in service. The person may also be asked to withdraw if considered physically unfit or mentally unstable to carry out regular judicial responsibilities.

If the position of the municipal judge or other relevant posts is vacant because of death, resignation, or other causes, a special election may be conducted. The Governor may also appoint persons to temporarily fill the vacant posts before the next election.

The Oregon Judicial Case Information Network (OJCIN) offers access to non-confidential case dockets through a paid subscription resource for court case records. Some cases are confidential and protected by statute, making them unavailable to the public. Any requestor with a registered account may sign in with valid login details, while other persons register to view court case dockets. Note that registering a new account costs $150.

Interested persons may also query the court clerk in the Municipal Court where the case originated. The record requests may be submitted by email, US mail, fax, or in person. The following information should be provided during requests:

• Type of record(s)
• Subject matter
• Estimated date(s) the record was created or received
• Names of people included in the record, or people who created or received the record
• The number of copies requested

Also, the requestor’s personal information may be required if the response is to be delivered by mail. The required information includes:

• Name and signature
• Address
• Phone number where the requestor may be contacted during business hours
• Email address, if available

Note that the fees for electronic, emailed, or hard copy are not the same. There may also be variations in fees for regular, certified, and exemplified copies. Requestors are advised to confirm current fees at the courthouse.

The addresses and contact information of Municipal courts in Oregon are listed below:

Baker County
Baker City Municipal Court
Baker County Courthouse
1995 3rd Street, Baker City, OR 97814
Phone number: 541–523–8213

Halfway Municipal Court
235 Gover Lane, P.O. Box 691,
Halfway, OR 97834
Phone number: 541–742–7171

Huntington Municipal Court
50 East Adams Street, P.O. Box 369, Huntington, OR 97907
Phone number: 541–869–2202

Richland Municipal Court
235 Gover Lane, P.O. Box 691, Halfway, OR 97834
Phone number: 541–742–7171

Benton County
Corvallis Municipal Court
560 SW Madison Avenue, Corvallis, OR 97333
Phone number: 541–766–6948

Monroe Municipal Court
664 Commercial Street, P.O. Box 486, Monroe, OR 97456
Phone number: 541–847–5175
Fax: 541–847–5177

Philomath Municipal Court
980 Appelgate Street, P.O. Box 400,
Philomath, OR 97370
Phone number: 541–929–5111
Fax: 541–929–3044

Clackamas County
Canby Municipal Court
1175 NW 3rd Avenue, Canby, OR 97013
Phone number: 503–266–4027
Fax: 503–266–9316

Estacada Municipal Court
475 SE Main Street, P.O. Box 958, Estacada, OR 97023
Phone number: 503–630–8270 ext. 200
Fax: 503–630–8280

Gladstone Municipal Court
525 Portland Avenue, Gladstone, OR 97027
Phone number: 503–557–2772
Fax: 503–650–8938

Happy Valley Municipal Court
16000 SE Misty Drive, Happy Valley, OR 97086
Phone number: 503–783–3822

Johnson City Municipal Court
16120 SE 81st Street, Johnson City, OR 97267
Phone number: 503–655–9710

Lake Oswego Municipal Court
Lake Oswego City Hall
380 A Avenue, P.O. Box 369, Lake Oswego, OR 97034
Phone number: 503–635–0217
Fax: 503–697–6570

Milwaukie Municipal Court
10722 SE Main Street, Milwaukie, OR 97222
Phone number: 503–786–7543
Fax: 503–786–7528

Molalla Municipal Court
Molalla City Hall
117 North Molalla Avenue, P.O. Box 248, Molalla, OR 97038
Phone number: 503–829–7711
Fax: 503–829–3676

Oregon City Municipal Court
320 Warner Milne Road, P.O. Box 3040, Oregon City, OR 97045
Phone number: 503–657–8154

Sandy Municipal Court
39250 Pioneer Blvd, Sandy, OR 97055
Phone number: 503–826–1939

West Linn Municipal Court
West Linn City Hall
22500 Salamo Road, West Linn, OR 97068
Phone number: 503–656–4263
Fax: 503–742–8599

Wilsonville Municipal Court
29799 SW Town Center Loop East, Wilsonville, OR 97070
Phone number: 503–570–1587
Fax: 503–682–1015

Clatsop County
Astoria Municipal Court
1095 Duane Street, Astoria, OR 97103
Phone number: 503–325–3939
Fax: 503–338–6630

Cannon Beach Municipal Court
163 East Gower Street, P.O. Box 368, Cannon Beach, OR 97110
Phone number: 503–436–2046
Fax: 800–516–7821

Gearhart Municipal Court
698 Pacific Way, P.O. Box 2510, Gearhart, OR 97138
Phone number: 503–738–5501

Seaside Municipal Court
989 Broadway, Seaside, OR 97138
Phone number: 503–738–5511
Fax: 503–738–5514

Columbia County
Clatskanie Municipal Court
95 South Nehalem Street, P.O. Box 9, Clatskanie, OR 97016
Phone number: 503–728–3011
Fax: 503–728–2143

Rainier Municipal Court
106 West B Street, P.O. Box 100, Rainier, OR 97048
Phone number: 503–556–4027

St. Helens Municipal Court
277 Strand Street, P.O. Box 278, St. Helens, OR 97051
Phone number: 503–397–6272
Fax: 503–366–7932

Coos County
Bandon Municipal Court
555 Highway 101, P.O. Box 67, Bandon, OR 97411
Phone number: 541–347–2437
Fax: 541–347–1415

Coos Bay Municipal Court
500 Central Avenue, Coos Bay, OR 97420
Phone number: 541–269–8912

Coquille Municipal Court
99 East 2nd Street, Coquille, OR 97423
Phone number: 541–396–2115

Myrtle Point Municipal Court
424 5th Street, Myrtle Point, OR 97458
Phone number: 541–572–2626

Powers Municipal Court
275 Fir Street, P.O. Box 250, POwers, OR 97466
Phone number: 541–439–3331

Curry County
Brookings Municipal Court
898 Elk Drive, Brookings, OR 97415
Phone number: 541–469–1114
Fax: 541–469–3650

Gold Beach Municipal Court
29592 Ellensburg Avenue, Gold Beach, OR 97444
Phone number: 541–247–7029

POrtOrford Municipal Court
555 West 20th Street, P.O. Box 310, POrtOrford, OR 97465
Phone number: 541–332–9013

Deschutes County
Bend Municipal Court
555 NE 15th Street, Bend, OR 97701
Phone number: 541–388–5572 ext. 9

Douglas County
Canyonville Municipal Court
249 NE Main Street, P.O. Box 376, Canyonville, OR 97417
Phone number: 541–839–4389

Glendale Municipal Court
222 Gilbert Avenue, P.O. Box 325, Glendale, OR 97442
Phone number: 541–832–2101

Myrtle Creek Municipal Court
207 NW Pleasant Street, P.O. Box 940, Myrtle Creek, OR 97457
Phone number: 541–863–3171

Reedsport Municipal Court
451 Winchester Avenue, ReedsPort, OR 97467
Phone number: 541–271–3603

Roseburg Municipal Court
900 SE Douglas Avenue, Roseburg, OR 97470
Phone number: 541–492–6720

Sutherlin Municipal Court
126 East Central Avenue, Sutherlin, OR 97479
Phone number: 541–459–4636
Fax: 541–459–4953

Winston Municipal Court
201 NW Douglas Blvd, Winston, OR 97496
Phone number: 541–679–5561
Fax: 541–679–0794

Yoncalla Municipal Court
2640 Eagle Valley Road, P.O. Box 508, Yoncalla, OR 97499
Phone number: 541–849–2152
Fax: 541–849–2552

Harney County
Burns Municipal Court
242 South Broadway, Burns, OR 97720
Phone number: 541–573–5255
Fax: 541–573–5622

Hines Municipal Court
101 East Barnes, P.O. Box 336, Hines, OR 97738
Phone number: 541–573–2251

Hood River County
Cascade Locks Municipal Court
140 SW Wanaoa Street, P.O. Box 308, Cascade Locks, OR 97014
Phone number: 541–374–8484
Fax: 541–374–8752

Hood River Municipal Court
211 2nd Street, Hood River, OR 97031
Phone number: 541–386–3942
Fax: 541–387–5575

Jackson County
Ashland Municipal Court
1175 East Main Street, Ashland, OR 97520
Phone number: 541–482–5214
Fax: 541–488–5586

Central Point Municipal Court
155 South 2nd Street, Central Point, OR 97502
Phone: 541–664–3321

Eagle Point Municipal Court
17 Buchanan Avenue, P.O. Box 779,
Eagle Point, OR 97524
Phone number: 541–826–4212
Fax: 541–826–6155

Gold Hill Municipal Court
420 6th Avenue, P.O. Box 308, Gold Hill, OR 97525
Phone number: 541–855–1525

Jacksonville Municipal Court
110 East Main Street, P.O. Box 7, Jacksonville, OR 97530
Phone number: 541–899–1231

Medford Municipal Court
411 West 8th Street, Room 210, Medford, OR 97501
Phone: 541–774–2040
Fax: 541–774–2568

Phoenix Municipal Court
112 West 2nd Street, P.O. Box 330, Phoenix, OR 97535
Phone: 541–535–1955 ext. 302
Fax: 541–535–5769

Court sessions are held at the Public Works Building, 1000 South B Street.
Rogue River Municipal Court
133 Broadway, P.O. Box 1137, Rogue River, OR 97537
Phone number: 541–582–4401

Jefferson County
Madras Municipal Court
125 SW E Street, Madras, OR 97741
Phone number: 541–475–2424

Metolius Municipal Court
636 Jefferson Avenue, Metolius, OR 97741
Phone number: 541–546–5533

Josephine County
Cave Junction Municipal Court
222 West Lister Street, P.O. Box 1396, Cave Junction, OR 97523
Phone number: 541–592–2156

Klamath County
Klamath Falls Municipal Court
500 Klamath Avenue, P.O. Box 237, Klamath Falls, OR 97601
Phone number: 541–883–5311

Malin Municipal Court
2432 4th Street, P.O. Box 61, Malin, OR 97632
Phone number: 541–723–2021

Lane County
Coburg Municipal Court
91136 North Willamette Street, P.O. Box 8146, Coburg, OR 97408
Phone number: 541–682–7859

Cottage Grove Municipal Court
400 East Main Street, Cottage Grove, OR 97424
Phone: 541–942–3346
Fax: 541–942–1267

Eugene Municipal Court
1102 Lincoln Street, Eugene, OR 97401
Phone number: 541–682–5400
Fax: 541–682–5417

Florence Municipal Court
900 Greenwood Street, Florence, OR 97439
Phone number: 541–997–3123
Fax: 541–997–4108

Junction City Municipal Court
680 Greenwood Street, P.O. Box 250, Junction City, OR 97448
Phone number: 541–998–1113
Fax: 541–998–3140

Lowell Municipal Court
107 East 3rd Street, P.O. Box 490, Lowell, OR 97452
Phone number: 541–937–2157

Springfield Municipal Court
230 4th Street, Springfield, OR 97477
Phone: 541–726–3748
Fax: 541–744–3376

Veneta Municipal Court
88184 8th Street, St, P.O. Box 458, Veneta, OR 97487
Phone number: 541–935–2191
Fax: 541–935–1838

Lincoln County
Newport Municipal Court
169 SW Coast Highway, Newport, OR 97365
Phone number: 541–574–0616

Toledo Municipal Court
206 North Main Street, P.O. Box 220, Toledo, OR 97391
Phone: 541–635–2061
Fax: 541–363–0362

Waldport Municipal Court
125 Alsea Highway, P.O. Box 1120, Waldport, OR 97394
Telephone number: 541–264–7417 ext. 101
Fax: 541–264–7418

Yachats Municipal Court
441 Highway 101 North, P.O. Box 345, Yachats, OR 97498
Phone number: 541–547–3565

Linn County
Albany Municipal Court
333 Broadalbin Street SW, P.O. Box 490, Albany, OR 97321
Phone: 541–917–7740
Fax: 541–917–7748

Brownsville Municipal Court
255 North Main Street, P.O. Box 188, Brownsville, OR 97327
Phone: 541–466–5666

Halsey Municipal Court
773 West 1st Street, P.O. Box 10, Halsey, OR 97348
Phone number: 541–369–2522

Harrisburg Municipal Court
354 Smith Street, P.O. Box 286, Harrisburg, OR 97446
Phone number: 541–995–8311

Lebanon Municipal Court
40 North 2nd Street, Suite 300, Lebanon, OR 97355
Phone number: 541–258–4909
Fax: 541–258–4953

Mill City Municipal Court
252 SW Cedar St, Mill City, OR 97360
Phone number: 503–897–2302
Fax: 503–897–3499

Scio Municipal Court
38957 NW 1st Avenue, P.O. Box 37, Scio, OR 97374
Phone number: 503–394–3342
Fax: 503–394–2340

Sweet Home Municipal Court
Police/Justice Facility
1950 Main Street, Sweet Home, OR 97386
Phone number: 541–367–4660
Fax: 541–367–3969

Malheur County
Nyssa Municipal Court
216 Main Street, Nyssa, OR 97914
Phone number: 541–889–5712

Ontario Municipal Court
1178 SW 4th Street, Ontario, OR 97914
Phone number: 541–889–5712

Vale Municipal Court
252 B Street West, Vale, OR 97918
Phone number: 541–473–3133
Fax: 541–473–3895

Marion County
Aumsville Municipal Court
125 North 6th Street, P.O. Box 103, Aumsville, OR 97325
Phone number: 503–749–2189

Aurora Municipal Court
21420 Main Street, Aurora, OR 97002
Phone number: 503–678–1283
Fax: 503–678–2758

Donald Municipal Court
10710 Main Street NE, P.O. Box 388, Donald, OR 97020
Telephone number: 503–678–5543
Gervais Municipal Court
592 4th Street, Gervais, OR 97026
Phone number: 503–792–4900

Hubbard Municipal Court
3720 2nd Street, Hubbard, OR 97032
Phone number: 503–981–9633
Fax: 503–981–8743

Jefferson Municipal Court
150 North 2nd Street, P.O. Box 83, Jefferson, OR 97352
Phone number: 541–327–2768, extension 302
Fax: 541–327–3120

Keizer Municipal Court
930 Chemawa Road NE, Keizer, OR 97307
Phone number: 503–856–3406
Fax: 503–390–3787

Mt. Angel Municipal Court
5 North Garfield Street, PO. Box 960, Mt Angel, OR 97362
Phone number: 503–845–9291

Salem Municipal Court
555 Liberty Street, Room 215, Salem, OR 97301
Phone number: 503–588–6146

Silverton Municipal Court
306 South Water Street, Silverton, OR 97381
Phone number: 503–873–5321
Fax: 503–873–3007

Turner Municipal Court
7250 3rd Street, P.O. Box 456, Turner, OR 97392
Phone: 503–743–2155
Fax: 503–743–4010

Woodburn Municipal Court
270 Montgomery Street, Woodburn, OR 97071
Phone number: 503–982–5212

Multnomah County
Troutdale Municipal Court
219 East Historic Columbia River Highway, Troutdale, OR 97060
Phone number: 503–665–5175
Fax: 503–667–6403

Polk County
Dallas Municipal Court
187 SE Court Street, Dallas, OR 97338
Phone number: 503–831–3576
Fax: 503–831–3594

Falls City Municipal Court
299 Mill Street, Falls City, OR 97344
Phone number: 503–787–3631

The address above is the location of the Court administrative office. Municipal Court sessions are held at the Falls City Community Center at 320 Mill Street.

Independence Municipal Court
240 Monmouth Street, P.O. Box 7, Independence, OR 97351
Phone number: 503–838–1212

Monmouth Municipal Court
151 Main Street West, Monmouth, OR 97361
Phone number: 503–751–0136
Fax: 503–837–0172

Tillamook County
Manzanita Municipal Court
543 Laneda Avenue, P.O. Box 129, Manzanita, OR 97130
Phone number: 503–368–5343
Fax: 503–368–4145

Rockaway Beach Municipal Court
276 South Highway 101, P.O. Box 5, Rockaway Beach, OR 97136
Phone number: 503–355–2291

Umatilla County
Athena Municipal Court
215 S 3rd Street, P.O. Box 686, Athena, OR 97813
Phone: 541–566–3862

Echo Municipal Court
20 South Bonanza, P.O. Box 9, Echo, OR 97826
Phone: 541–376–8411

Hermiston Municipal Court
330 South 1st Street, Hermiston, OR 97838
Phone number: 541–567–6610
Fax: 541–667–2049

Milton-Freewater Municipal Court
722 South Main Street, P.O. Box 6, Milton-Freewater, OR 97862
Phone: 541–938–8203

Pendleton Municipal Court
501 SW Emigrant, Pendleton, OR 97801
Phone number: 541–966–0209
Fax: 541–966–0352

Pilot Rock Municipal Court
144 North Alder Place, P.O. Box 130, Pilot Rock, OR 97868
Phone: 541–443–2811
Fax: 541–443–2253

Stanfield Municipal Court
160 South Main Street, Stanfield, OR 97875
Phone number: 541–449–3831

Umatilla Municipal Court
300 6th Street, P.O. Box 130, Umatilla, OR 97882
Phone: 541–922–3226 ext. 106

Union County
Elgin Municipal Court
180 North 8th Avenue, P.O. Box 128, Elgin, OR 97827
Phone number: 541–437–2253

La Grande Municipal Court
1000 Adams Avenue, P.O. Box 670, La Grande, OR 97850
Phone: 541–962–1314

Union Municipal Court
342 South Main Street, P.O. Box 529, Union, OR 97883
Phone: 541–562–5197
Fax: 541–562–5196

Wallowa County
Enterprise Municipal Court
108 NE 1st Street, Enterprise, OR 97828
Phone number: 541–426–4196
Fax: 541–426–3395

Wasco County
The Dalles Municipal Court
313 Court Street, The Dalles, OR 97058
Phone number: 541–296–5481

Washington County
Beaverton Municipal Court
4755 SW Griffith Drive, Beaverton, OR 97005
Phone number: 503–526–2290
Fax: 503–350–4031

Forest Grove / Cornelius Municipal Court
Forest Grove City Hall
1924 Council Street, P.O. Box 326, Forest Grove, OR 97116
Phone number: 503–992–3268
Fax: 503–992–3202

Gaston Municipal Court
116 Front Street, P.O. Box 129, Gaston, OR 97119
Phone number: 503–985–3340
Fax: 503–985–1014

Hillsboro Municipal Court
150 East Main Street, Hillsboro, OR 97123
Phone number: 503–681–6157
Fax: 503–681–6282

King City Municipal Court
City Hall
15300 SW 116th Avenue, King City, OR 97224
Phone number: 503–620–6444
Fax: 503–639–3771

Sherwood Municipal Court
22560 SW Pine Street, Sherwood, OR 97140
Phone number: 503–625–4225
Fax: 503–625–5524

Tigard Municipal Court
13125 SW Hall Blvd, Tigard, OR 97223
Phone number: 503–718–2478

Tualatin Municipal Court
8650 SW Tualatin Road, Tualatin, OR 97062
Phone number: 503–691–3025
Fax: 503–691–6884

Yamhill County
Amity Municipal Court
109 Maddox Avenue, P.O. Box 159, Amity, OR 97101
Phone number: 503–835–3711

Carlton Municipal Court
191 East Main Street, P.O. Box 458, Carlton, OR 97111
Phone number: 503–852–7575

Dayton Municipal Court
Dayton City Hall
416 Ferry Street, P.O. Box 339, Dayton, OR 97114
Phone: 503–864–2221
The address above is for the court office. Court sessions are held at City Hall Annex, 408 Ferry Street,

Dundee Municipal Court
620 SW 5th Street, P.O. Box 220, Dundee, OR 97115
Phone: 503–538–3922

Lafayette Municipal Court
486 3rd Street, P.O. Box 55, Lafayette, OR 97127
Phone: 503–864–2451

McMinnville Municipal Court
McMinnville City Hall
230 NE 2nd Street, McMinnville, OR 97128
Phone number: 503–434–7402
Contact details are for the court office. Court sessions are held at Civic Hall, 200 NE 2nd Street.

Newberg Municipal Court
401 East 3rd Street, P.O. Box 970, Newberg, OR 97132
Phone number: 503–537–1241

Sheridan Municipal Court
120 SW Mill Street, Sheridan, OR 97378
Phone number: 503–843–2347

Willamina Municipal Court
411 NE C Street, P.O. Box 629, Willamina, OR 97396
Phone number: 503–876–2242

Yamhill Municipal Court
205 South Maple Street, P.O. Box 9, Yamhill, OR 97148
Phone number: 503–662–3511
Fax: 503–662–4589