Washington County Circuit Court Case Search

In Washington County, judicial and legal oversight falls under the purview of the Washington County Circuit Court. Records are generated by the cases or legal proceedings and maintained as records by court staff. Any authorized person may request to view or copy such records by contacting record custodians at the court. Typically, a Superior Court Case search may be necessary for several purposes, including official records, personal records, case follow-ups, academic research, and background checks.

What Kind of Cases Are Heard in the Washington Circuit Court?

The Washington County Superior Court has general jurisdiction over most criminal and civil trials as it is the main trial court in the county. It hears a wide variety of issues, including family, juvenile, civil, and criminal cases. Examples of cases heard at the Circuit Court include the following.

• Criminal Cases: felonies, capital murders, and preliminary hearings in criminal cases. Jurisdictions over lesser offenses and misdemeanors may be shared with the Municipal and Justice Courts.
• Civil Cases: divorce, dissolution, child custody, land disputes, adoption, injunction requests, and civil claims without any financial limit.

The Civil Court also hears cases concerning probate matters, guardianships, juvenile cases, and commitments. In Washington County, the Circuit Court has divisions for most cases and an external Juvenile and Services and Law Enforcement Center focusing on Juvenile and Law Enforcement issues, respectively.

Washington County Circuit Court

The Oregon court system does not operate Superior Courts. It has Circuit, County, Municipal, Justice, and Tax courts. The Washington County Circuit Court performs the duties of a Superior Court for the county. It serves an important role as the main trial court with general jurisdiction over criminal and civil trials.

The Circuit Court has several divisions handling different types of cases. Hence, most county residents involved in legal matters may likely have their cases handled at the Circuit Court. Listed below are the circuit court locations in Washington County.

Washington County Circuit Court - Courthouse
Physical: 145 NE 2nd Avenue, Hillsboro, OR 97124
Mailing: 150 North 1st Avenue, MS 37, Hillsboro, OR 97124
Phone: (503) 846-8888

Washington County Circuit Court - Justice Services Building
150 North 1st Avenue, MS 37,
Hillsboro, OR 97124
Phone: (503) 846-8888

Washington County Circuit Court - Juvenile Services Building
Physical: 222 North 1st Avenue, Hillsboro, OR 97124
Mailing: 150 North 1st Avenue, MS 37, Hillsboro, OR 97124
Phone: (503) 846-4701

Washington County Circuit Court - Law Enforcement Center
215 SW Adams Avenue,
Hillsboro, OR 97124
Phone: (503) 846-8888

Washington County Case Lookup

Record seekers may be able to look up and request records from cases heard at the Washington County Circuit Court using resources provided by the court. Searches and requests for court case records can be made in person, online, or by mail. Below are some of the options available for requesting Circuit Court case lookups.

Online Requests

Several online methods are available for viewing circuit court records for Washington County. Record seekers may fill out and submit the online Court Records Request form to request copies of court records. The criteria required for a search using the form include case party names, case numbers, and court location. Users can also choose to order certified copies and a method of delivery.

Records searches are also available from online databases maintained by the Oregon Judicial branch. These are the Free Access database and the Oregon Judicial Case Information Network (OJCIN). The free access database provides access to court dates and basic case information at no charge, while the OJCIN database is a subscription-based service that requires creating an account and offers access to more extensive court records.

Walk-in Requests

Walk-in requests for Washington County Circuit Court can be made by visiting the Public Records Review Room located at:

Washington County Circuit Court
First Floor Justice Services Building
Public Records Review Room #110J
150 N 1st Avenue
Hillsboro, OR 97124

Record seekers will be required to provide enough information for the record to be found in the records review room. To request certain confidential records, the request must show a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license. Copies of records cost $0.25 per page. Certification of a record will cost an additional $5, while exemplification will cost $10. Record seekers may also ask the records be delivered as microfilm for $0.45 per page or email for $3 per case request. For any inquiries, record seekers may call the records department at (503) 846-8888 option 3, then 7. Public access terminals are also available at the court for visitors to look up records.

Mailed Requests

To request a court case record from Washington County Circuit Court by mail, record seekers may send a written request containing the following information to the records department.

• Name and contact information of the requester
• Complete names of the parties involved in the case
• The case number and year the case was filed(if available)
• The exact record required(specify if requesting the whole case file)
• Type of record required (regular, certified, exemplified)
• Method of delivery (pickup, email, U.S. mail)

The requester may also mail a completed Public Records Request form. The written request or form should be mailed to the records department at:

Washington County Circuit Court
Attention: Records Department, Room 110J
150 N 1st Avenue MS 37
Hillsboro, OR 97124

Record copies from the circuit court cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies will cost an additional $5, and Exemplified copies will cost an additional $10. Payment is accepted by check, which is included in the mail. If uncertain about the total amount for the copies. Requesters may include a blank check payable to the State of Oregon. The memo line should say not to exceed an amount to cover the costs.

Mailed requests must include postage fees or a self-addressed and stamped envelope for delivering the copies. Record requests are usually completed in 5 to 10 court business days.

Washington Superior Court Case Search by Name

Record seekers may perform name-based court record searches using several options provided by the Washington County Circuit Court. Name-based searches are available during walk-in requests, by mail, or online. While performing the request, record seekers must provide the full name of the parties involved in the case(first and last). The name must be accurate and correctly spelled to prevent any errors. Additional criteria may be required to filter the search further and improve speed and accuracy. These extra criteria include case number, court location, filing date, and type of record.

Washington Circuit Court Docket Search

A court docket is a type of court record that outlines the progress of a case, showing court dates, motions filed, judgments, and rulings. Record seekers can obtain docket information by visiting the Washington County Circuit Court in person or using the Free Record Access to look up basic case details and court calendars online. A docket forms an important part of court records as it allows parties involved to track a case’s schedule and prepare for any important events.

Lookup Washington County Circuit Court Online

Looking up Washington County Circuit Court records online can be done either by using official online databases like the OJCIN or third-party record websites. These third-party websites, such as Oregoncourtrecords.us are a valid alternative to the official resources. They provide a handy alternative for users to look up Washington County court records online without visiting a physical court location. With a few important details such as names and case numbers, record seekers may search for court records on these sites via any internet-capable device. However, users should note that since third-party sites are not government-owned, the information they provide is not guaranteed to be accurate, updated, or complete.

Supreme Court vs. Circuit Court

The Oregon Supreme Court is the highest court in Oregon, and it has several distinct functions. It reviews decisions from the Court of Appeals, death penalty cases, and cases from the Oregon Tax Courts. It has statewide jurisdiction and maintains original jurisdiction of writs, including habeas corpus, quo warranto, and mandamus. It serves as the court of last resort during the interpretation of Oregon laws. Only the U.S. Supreme Court may alter decisions from the Oregon Supreme Court.

On the other hand, the Superior Court equivalent for Washington County is limited to jurisdiction in Washington County. This is the county circuit court, and it handles a wide variety of cases, including civil, criminal, and family law cases. It is the main trial court responsible for cases at the local level.