Case Information for Portland and Multnomah County is searchable through the official court portal, where you can enter a case number or party name to view filing dates, case type, assigned judge, and current status. The system lists plaintiffs, defendants, attorneys of record, and any additional participants, letting you see who is involved and what claims are filed. Updated activity logs show hearings, motions, orders, and judgments, helping you track the case timeline without leaving home.
When you need specific case details, start by confirming the case identifier and jurisdiction, then explore the document archive for filings, certified copies, and court orders. Separate sections break down civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters, each revealing relevant charges, outcomes, and appeal information. If a record is sealed or delayed, the portal notes restrictions and offers guidance on how to request access through the Multnomah County Circuit Court Records Department.
How to Search Case Information
The Multnomah County Circuit Court in Portland, Oregon, gives the public a free online portal to view case records filed at the courthouse. You can look up cases by case number, party name, or attorney name, and the through the official traffic ticket records portal to review system returns case details, party listings, hearings, and document images. Public case searches work for civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, and traffic matters filed at the courthouse located at 1200 SW 1st Ave., Portland, OR 97204. This setup makes it easy for attorneys, researchers, and residents to check current status without visiting the building in person.
Official Search Portal: https://www.courts.oregon.gov/courts/multnomah/pages/default.aspx
Steps to Search
- Open the Multnomah County page on the Oregon Judicial Branch website using the portal URL listed above.
- Click the “Court Records” or “Public Access” link on the left-hand menu to reach the Oregon Judicial Case Information Network (OJCIN) login screen.
- Choose the “Public Access” option, which does not require a paid subscriber account or login credentials.
- Select “Multnomah County” from the court drop-down list if prompted, then enter your search criteria (case number, party name, or business name).
- Pick a search type such as “Case Number” or “Party Name,” type the requested value into the field, and click “Search.”
- Review the results list, then click the case number hyperlink to view full case details, including parties, hearings, and available documents.
- Use the “Register of Actions” or “Case History” tab to see the full timeline of filings and orders entered in the case.
- Print or save any document image by clicking the document link and using your browser’s print or download function.
Case Parties and Representatives
Every case record stored in the Multnomah County court system lists the parties involved and the attorneys who represent them. These entries show who filed the action, who is responding, and which legal counsel has appeared for each side. The party section notes additional participants such as guardians ad litem, intervenors, or co-parties named in the same complaint.
Plaintiff and Defendant
In civil actions filed in Multnomah County, the plaintiff is the person or business that started the lawsuit, and the defendant is the party being sued. Each side appears on the case header with full legal names and current status (active or removed). The party roles do not change after filing, even if the parties later settle the case or the court dismisses the action.
Petitioner and Respondent
Petitioner and respondent are the role names used in family law, probate, and other non-criminal petitions handled by the Multnomah County Circuit Court. The petitioner files the request (for example, a divorce or probate petition), and the respondent is the other side asked to reply. The role descriptions persist through every Register of Actions line for the matter.
Attorneys of Record
Each party may have an attorney of record listed on the case file. The attorney entry shows the lawyer’s name, Oregon State Bar number, firm name, and contact details. If a party represents themselves, the system shows “self-represented” or “pro se” next to that party’s name in the attorney section.
Party Roles and Relationships
The court system uses specific codes to show how each party relates to the case. Common codes include “PLA” for plaintiff, “DEF” for defendant, “PET” for petitioner, “RES” for respondent, and “INT” for intervenor. These codes appear in the case header and in the Register of Actions so you can quickly spot the role played by each participant.
Additional Case Participants
Beyond the main parties, some cases list additional participants such as witnesses under subpoena, guardians ad litem, appointed counsel for minors, and probation officers. Each added participant appears in the party screen with a role description like “GAL” (guardian ad litem) or “Wit” (witness). These entries help clarify who else is bound by or involved in the court proceedings.
Case Details
The case details section of a Multnomah County record contains the factual core of the action: what happened, who was charged or claimed against, and where the case sits in the court system. These details appear on the case summary page right after you open a record. They include the case description, filing data, judge assignment, and court location that govern the rest of the case file.
Case Description
The case description is a short text summary written by the court clerk at the time of filing. It tells you the nature of the claim or charge, such as “Breach of Contract,” “Domestic Relations – Dissolution,” or “Theft in the First Degree.” This line stays on the case header for the life of the case and helps you verify you are viewing the correct file when searching by party name.
Charges or Claims
For criminal cases, the charge section lists each count with its Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) citation, charge level (misdemeanor or felony), and plea entered (if any). For civil cases, the claim section lists each cause of action pleaded, the dollar amount demanded, and any statutory or contractual basis for relief. This section is the quickest way to see what each side asks the court to decide.
Filing Information
Filing data includes the date the case was first filed with the court, the filing party, and the document that started the action. The filing date also sets the deadlines for service, answer, and discovery under the Oregon Uniform Trial Court Rules. Each filing entry shows the document title, filing date, and the party or attorney who submitted it.
Assigned Judge
Multnomah County uses a random-assignment system to send cases to judges after filing. The assigned judge entry shows the judge’s full name and sometimes their courtroom number. If a judge recuses or is reassigned, the system updates the entry with the replacement name and adds a Register of Actions line noting the change.
Court Location
Most Multnomah County cases are heard at the main courthouse located at 1200 SW 1st Ave., Portland, OR 97204. The court location field confirms the physical building where hearings, trials, and judgments take place. Some specialized matters, like juvenile cases, may be routed to satellite court locations within the county.
Case Jurisdiction
Case jurisdiction shows the court’s authority over the subject matter and the parties. The Multnomah County Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over felonies, civil claims over $750, family law, probate, juvenile delinquency, and most other matters under Oregon law. A case’s jurisdiction cannot be changed after filing, except in rare transfer or removal situations ordered by the court.
Related Cases
The court system links related cases on the same case detail screen, including companion cases, consolidated actions, and any appeals filed in higher courts. Clicking a linked case number takes you to that file’s full record. Related-case links save time when one party has several matters before the same court or judge.
Case Activity
Case activity refers to every event that happens in a case after filing, from the first hearing to the final judgment. Multnomah County tracks these events in chronological order in the Register of Actions, also called the case history or docket. Each entry lists the document filed, the date, and a short note describing the event.
Case Filing History
The filing history is the running log of every paper filed in the case, including complaints, motions, responses, and orders. Each line shows the filing date, the document title, and the submitting party. You can scroll backward through the history to see the entire litigation path from the first filing to the most recent entry.
Hearings and Court Appearances
Hearing entries show scheduled court appearances, including status conferences, motion hearings, pretrial conferences, and trials. Each entry lists the date, time, courtroom, and the type of hearing. After a hearing takes place, the Register of Actions adds a result line showing what occurred (for example, “Hearing Held – Decision Reserved”).
Motions and Filings
Motions are written requests asking the court to take a specific action, such as dismissing a claim, compelling discovery, or setting a hearing date. Each motion entry shows the moving party, the motion title, and the date filed. The court’s response appears later in the same activity log, with a separate entry for the order granting or denying the motion.
Court Orders
A court order is a written ruling signed by a judge that directs a party to do (or refrain from doing) something. Orders appear in the activity log the moment the judge signs them. Examples include scheduling orders, protective orders, and orders on pending motions. Many orders link to the PDF of the signed document for review.
Judgments
A judgment is the court’s official decision ending the case (or a major stage of it). In civil cases, the judgment entry shows who wins, the dollar amount awarded, and any interest or costs added. In criminal cases, the judgment shows the sentence imposed, including jail time, probation, fines, or treatment programs.
Case Events
Case events cover any noteworthy occurrence that does not fit the standard filing, hearing, or order categories. Examples include service of process, discovery production, settlement conferences, and party substitutions. The activity log records these events with a short description and the date they happened.
Case Activity Timeline
The case activity timeline is a visual summary view (when available) that groups related events into phases, such as filing, pretrial, trial, and post-judgment. The timeline helps you see how long each phase lasted and what major events took place. This is useful for tracking how close a case is to trial or to its final resolution.
Case Status and Outcome
Case status tells you where a case stands right now: active, pending, closed, dismissed, or on appeal. The status field on the Multnomah County case header reflects the most recent stage of the action. Outcome entries then describe the final result once the case ends, such as a judgment for the plaintiff or a sentence in a criminal matter.
Active Cases
An active case is one with pending activity and no final judgment or dismissal. Active cases appear with a status code like “Open” or “Active” and continue to show new filings, hearings, and orders in the activity log. Most active cases have scheduled hearings within the next 30 to 90 days.
Pending Cases
A pending case is one where the court is awaiting action from a party, such as a response to a motion, a filing from a party, or a scheduled hearing date. The status may show “Awaiting Event” or “Pending” until the next event takes place. This status helps you see which side has the next required step.
Closed Cases
A closed case is one that has ended with a final judgment, dismissal, or other terminating order. Closed case files remain on the public portal, but the court will not accept new filings except for post-judgment motions. Closed cases often still allow document retrieval for appeals or post-judgment collection efforts.
Dismissed Cases
A dismissed case is one where the court ended the action without a final judgment on the merits. Dismissal can happen for many reasons, including the plaintiff’s request, failure to prosecute, or settlement before trial. The dismissal entry shows the date, the party that requested it, and whether the dismissal was with or without prejudice.
Disposed Cases
The term “disposed” means the court has resolved the case through a final order. A disposed case may have been decided by trial, settled, dismissed, or otherwise ended. The disposition entry summarizes the final outcome and lists any judgment or order that ended the case.
Appealed Cases
An appealed case is one where a party filed a notice of appeal with the Oregon Court of Appeals after the trial court entered a final judgment. The case status changes to “Appealed” or “On Appeal,” and the case links to the appellate court record. The Multnomah County file remains active in the trial court until the appeal is resolved and any remand order is entered.
Final Case Outcome
The final case outcome entry appears once the court issues a final judgment or terminating order. For civil cases, this entry shows who prevailed and the relief granted. For criminal cases, the entry lists the charges convicted, the sentence imposed, and any restitution ordered. This entry remains the last line on the activity log for the case.
Case Documents
Case documents are the written records the court stores for each case, including pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, and exhibits filed by the parties. The Multnomah County public portal lists available documents on the case detail page under the “Documents” tab. Each document shows the filing date, the document title, the filing party, and a link to a PDF image when one is available.
Court Filings
Court filings include the initial complaint or petition, the answer, motions, briefs, exhibits, and supporting declarations filed by either side. Filings appear in the Register of Actions in the order received. Each filing line links to the PDF document so you can view the exact paper filed by the party or attorney.
Orders and Judgments
Orders and judgments are the court’s official rulings on pending matters. Documents in this category include orders granting summary judgment, orders on motions, and the final judgment or decree. Each order shows the judge who signed it, the date signed, and a brief description of what the court decided.
Available Case Documents
The “Available Documents” section lists every document stored in the court’s electronic file for public viewing. Not all filings are available to the public; some may be restricted or sealed as described later in this article. The list updates as new documents are scanned into the system, usually within a few business days of filing.
Document Dates and Filing History
Each document line shows the exact filing date, often down to the minute for electronic filings submitted through the Oregon eFile system. The filing history view sorts documents by date, party, or document type so you can quickly locate a specific filing. You can also search the document list by keyword (for example, “Motion to Compel”) if the portal supports that filter.
Document Access and Availability
Public users can view most non-sealed documents at no cost through the public portal. Documents filed in paper form are scanned by the court clerk before they appear online, which can take a few extra days. Some document types (such as juvenile court records or mental health commitment filings) are restricted by Oregon law and do not appear in public listings.
Certified Copies
Certified copies of court documents are official copies that bear the court seal and a signature from the clerk. Certified copies are often required for appeals, immigration matters, name changes, and out-of-state filings. To request a certified copy, contact the Multnomah County Circuit Court Records Department at 971-274-0570 or visit the courthouse at 1200 SW 1st Ave., Portland, OR 97204.
Case Information by Case Type
Multnomah County hears many case types, and each one has its own rules for filing, public access, and record content. The portal groups case records by case category so you can filter results to a specific area of law. The table below summarizes the main case types you can search through the public system.
| Case Type | Common Examples | Public Access |
|---|---|---|
| Civil | Contract disputes, personal injury, small claims | Public unless sealed by court order |
| Criminal | Felony and misdemeanor charges | Public for adults; restricted for juveniles |
| Family | Divorce, custody, child support | Public with some sealed entries |
| Probate | Wills, estates, guardianships | Public with sensitive data redacted |
| Juvenile | Delinquency, dependency, termination | Highly restricted under Oregon law |
| Traffic | Speeding, DUII, reckless driving | Public for most violations |
Civil Case Information
Civil cases cover disputes between individuals or businesses, including contract claims, personal injury, property disputes, and small claims up to $10,000. Each civil case shows the cause of action, the amount in controversy, and the assigned civil department. Civil case files remain public unless a party requests and the court grants sealing.
Criminal Case Information
Criminal cases cover felony and misdemeanor charges filed by the State of Oregon through the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office. The record shows each charge, the plea entered, through the official family court records portal to review and the sentence imposed after conviction. Records for some criminal cases (such as juvenile adjudications) are restricted under Oregon law.
Family Case Information
Family cases include divorce, legal separation, custody, parenting time, child support, and domestic partnership matters. Family case records show the parties, the relief requested, and any temporary orders in effect. Some sensitive family records, such as those involving minor children or domestic violence, may be sealed or partially restricted.
Probate Case Information
Probate cases handle wills, estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and protective orders for vulnerable adults. The record lists the decedent (for estate cases), the personal representative, and the heirs or claimants. Inventory and accounting documents may be available depending on the type of probate matter.
Juvenile Case Information
Juvenile cases include delinquency (criminal), dependency (abuse and neglect), and termination of parental rights matters. Most juvenile records are restricted under Oregon law, and the public portal may show only limited summary data (case number, filing date, and basic status). Detailed juvenile records require a court order for release.
Misdemeanor Case Information
Misdemeanor cases involve lower-level criminal offenses punishable by up to one year in jail and fines. Each misdemeanor record shows the specific charge, the plea, and any sentence or diversion outcome. Common examples include petty theft, simple assault, driving under the influence (lesser offenses), and disorderly conduct.
Felony Case Information
Felony cases involve serious criminal offenses punishable by more than one year in prison. The record shows each felony count, the indictment or information filed, and any plea agreement or trial outcome. Sentences may include prison time, probation, fines, and mandatory treatment programs.
Traffic Case Information
Traffic cases handle violations of Oregon traffic laws, including speeding, reckless driving, driving without a license, and DUII. Traffic cases are heard in the traffic department of the Multnomah County Circuit Court. Most traffic case records are public, but minor infractions may be handled separately and not always appear in the portal.
Case Information Updates
Case records on the Multnomah County portal update as new filings, hearings, and orders are entered by the court clerk. Updates appear in the Register of Actions in near real time for electronic filings and within a few business days for paper filings. Knowing how often the system refreshes helps you know when to check back for new activity.
Recently Filed Cases
Recently filed cases appear at the top of search results when sorted by filing date. The portal allows you to search by date range so you can find all cases filed during a specific week or month. New filings in Multnomah County are added to the public system once the clerk assigns the case number and enters the initial case header.
New Case Activity
New case activity shows up in the Register of Actions as soon as a document is filed or a hearing occurs. Activity entries include the event date, the event description, and a link to the document (when available). You can monitor new activity on a case of interest by re-checking the case page regularly or by signing up for electronic notifications if available.
Updated Case Status
The case status field updates when the court enters an order that changes the case stage (for example, from “Pending” to “Disposed”). Status changes appear at the top of the case detail page so you can see the current state without scrolling. The system also keeps a history of past statuses so you can see how the case moved through the court system.
Recently Filed Documents
Recently filed documents appear at the top of the documents list on each case page. The list shows the document title, the filing date, and the party or attorney who submitted it. Documents filed electronically through the Oregon eFile system usually appear within minutes to a few hours after submission.
Changes to Case Information
Changes to case data (such as updated contact data, address corrections, or attorney substitutions) appear as new activity entries with a short note describing the change. The original entry remains visible so you can see what was changed and when. Some changes (like sealed party names) may replace the original display with a redacted version.
Missing or Restricted Case Information
Not every case record is fully public on the Multnomah County portal. Oregon law and court rules restrict some case data to protect privacy, juveniles, victims, and sensitive matters. Knowing what is restricted helps you avoid confusion when a search returns limited data.
Case Information Not Available Online
Some case types are not searchable through the public portal at all. Examples include mental health commitment cases, certain adoption proceedings, and cases involving minors under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court. For these case types, you must contact the court clerk directly to ask about viewing options or to request a copy of any public order.
Sealed or Confidential Cases
Sealed or confidential cases are completely hidden from public view. The court seals cases only for specific reasons, such as protecting a victim, safeguarding trade secrets, or following a statutory requirement. If you need access to a sealed record, you must file a written motion asking the court to lift the seal.
Restricted Case Documents
Even when a case is public, specific documents within it may be restricted. Common examples include juvenile records, mental health evaluations, certain family law financial disclosures, and any document the court orders sealed. Restricted documents do not appear in the public document list, and clicking their placeholders shows a notice describing the restriction.
Recently Filed Information
Very recent filings may be missing from the public portal for a short time. Paper filings must be scanned and indexed before they appear online, which usually takes one to three business days. Electronic filings appear faster, but a delay of a few hours is normal as the system processes the upload and the clerk accepts the filing.
Delayed Case Updates
Case updates can be delayed during high-volume periods or when the clerk’s office is closed. Weekends, holidays, and the day after a large filing deadline often see backlogs in the system. If you do not see a new filing right away, wait one business day and refresh the case page to check again.
Correcting Inaccurate Information
If you spot inaccurate data on a public case record (for example, a wrong party name or a typographical error in a judgment), you can ask the court to correct it. For minor corrections, contact the Multnomah County Circuit Court Records Department at 971-274-0570. For errors in a court order or judgment, you must file a motion asking the judge to enter an amended order.
Contact Details
The Multnomah County Circuit Court Records Department can assist visitors with questions about court records and related information. Contact the department by phone or visit the courthouse at the address listed below for assistance with appropriate records inquiries. For the latest information about court services, procedures, and office contacts, refer to the official Oregon Judicial Department website. Contact details should be verified before visiting, as office procedures and availability may change.
| Office | Contact |
|---|---|
| Multnomah County Circuit Court Records Department | 971-274-0570 |
| Multnomah County Courthouse Address | 1200 SW 1st Ave., Portland, OR 97204 |
| Official Multnomah County Court Page | https://www.courts.oregon.gov/courts/multnomah/pages/default.aspx |
Frequently Asked Questions
The Multnomah County Circuit Court offers free online access to case information. Residents can view case status, filings, and party details without visiting the courthouse. Quick online searches save time, help track legal matters, and keep parties informed about upcoming hearings or document availability.
How can I search Multnomah County case information by case number?
Visit the court’s public portal and enter the nine‑digit case number in the search box. The system displays the case title, filing date, current status, and a list of attached documents. Click any document icon to view a PDF image. This method works for civil, criminal, family, and traffic cases filed at the Portland courthouse.
Can I find case information using a party or attorney name?
Yes. Select the “Party Name” or “Attorney Name” option on the search page, type the full name, and press enter. Results show all cases where the name appears, along with case numbers, court division, and hearing dates. Use the filter to narrow results by case type or date range for faster access.
What details are included in Multnomah County case records?
Each record lists the case identifier, case type, jurisdiction, assigned judge, and docket entries. You will also see motions, orders, judgments, and any uploaded exhibits. The portal highlights active cases, closed cases, and any appeals, giving a clear picture of the case timeline.
How do I obtain certified copies of court documents from Multnomah County?
After locating the desired document, click the “Request Copy” button. Fill out the short form with your contact information and payment method. The court processes the request within five business days and ships the certified copy to the address you provide. Phone support is available at 971‑274‑0570 for questions.
What should I do if the online case information shows an “open” status but I need the latest hearing date?
Open cases may have recent updates not yet reflected on the portal. Call the Records Department at 971‑274‑0570 and give the case number. A clerk can confirm the next hearing date, any pending motions, and whether new documents are available for download.