Umatilla County court records, Oregon, are available through several channels. UmatillaCourt.us allows you to search for public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be found through Oregon's official online systems, the county courthouse office, and public terminals located directly in the courthouse building. Below is a detailed overview of the county's court system, the procedure for searching hearing calendars, obtaining copies of documents, and current fees.
Umatilla Court System & Jurisdictions
Oregon uses a unified Circuit Courts system, so there are no separate District Court or Magistrate Court in Umatilla County as there might be in other states. Umatilla & Morrow County Circuit Court is the only court of general jurisdiction that handles virtually all categories of cases.
Here is what specifically falls under this court:
- Criminal cases — felonies, misdemeanors, probation violations.
- Civil lawsuits — disputes for any amount, including contract and tort cases.
- Small Claims — claims up to $10,000; simplified procedure without lawyers.
- Family law — divorce, child custody, parenting plans, alimony, protective orders.
- Probate cases — wills, estate administration, guardianship, and conservatorship.
- Traffic violations — fines for speeding, running a red light, driving without a license, etc.
Courtrooms and the clerk's office are located on the second floor of the courthouse in Pendleton. For cases arising in the neighboring Morrow County, a separate location in Heppner is used, but administratively both counties are served by one Circuit Court.
If you are looking for arrest or detention records, this data is maintained by the Records Division of the Umatilla County Sheriff's Office. State-level criminal history is maintained by the Criminal Justice Information Services of the Oregon State Police.
Umatilla Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
You can check the schedule of hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week in two ways.
- Free OJD online search. The Oregon Judicial Department provides free access to calendars and basic case information for all circuit courts in the state. Select "Umatilla" from the list of courts to see scheduled sessions.
- Oregon eCourt System (OECI). Through Oregon eCourt Case Information, you can find a specific case by number or party name and view the Register of Actions, including future hearing dates. Access to basic information is free; extended document viewing may require payment.
If the online search does not yield the desired result, call the court clerk's office at 541-278-0341 — the clerk will confirm the date and time of the session.
Note: Some categories of cases — particularly juvenile cases and certain family proceedings — may not be displayed in open access due to federal or state law restrictions.
How to Get a Copy of a Umatilla Court Document
Copies of court documents come in two types: certified (with the court seal, suitable for official use) and uncertified (regular photocopies for review). The method of obtaining them depends on your needs.
Online
Through the Oregon eCourt system, you can view the case register of actions and, in some cases, download documents. Certified copies are usually not issued online — you need to contact the clerk's office for them.
In person
Visit the court clerk's office on the second floor of the courthouse in Pendleton. You will need the case number or the full name of the party and the approximate filing date. The clerk will prepare a copy on-site.
By mail
Send a written request specifying the case number, document type, and your return address. Include a check or money order for the appropriate fee amount, made payable to "Umatilla County Circuit Court."
For records not related to court cases — such as marriage licenses or property documents — contact the County Records office. Historical vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce) are stored in the Oregon State Archives.
Access restrictions: adoption cases, juvenile cases, certain psychiatric proceedings, and sealed/expunged records are not issued without a court order.
Umatilla Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court records in Oregon are set by the Chief Justice in accordance with ORS 21.010 and current administrative orders of the Oregon Judicial Department. Below are the approximate rates applicable to the state's circuit courts.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Case search by clerk request | $25.00 |
| Document copy (per page) | $0.25 |
| Document certification | $5.00 per document |
| Access to OECI (extended view) | $0.10 per minute (beyond free basic access) |
Check current amounts directly with the court clerk's office, as rates may change by administrative order without notice.
Payment methods:
- In person — cash, check, money order.
- By mail — check or money order payable to "Umatilla County Circuit Court."
- Online — in the OECI system, payment is made by credit or debit card.
For public records requests from other county departments (sheriff, administration), a separate procedure applies according to the Oregon Public Records Law — such a request can be submitted through the Umatilla County Records Request page.