Jackson County, Oregon State Court Records
The official documents generated during legal proceedings by courts in Jackson County, Oregon, are known as Jackson County court records. They can include case filings, motions, pleadings, court orders, judgments, dockets, hearing schedules, and all other documents created throughout civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic cases. In Oregon, court records for Jackson County cases have generally been maintained by the Oregon Judicial Department through the Jackson County Circuit Court, the county's trial court of record.
Court records are often connected to other public records because they document a variety of legal actions that may be related to events recorded elsewhere. For example, arrests involving court records may reference records created by law enforcement agencies, while probate or family court cases involve vital records such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, and death certificates.
Are Jackson County Court Records Public?
Yes. Most Jackson County Court Records are public and open for inspection and copying under Oregon laws. Access to public court records is established inOregon Public Records Laws (ORS Chapter 192) and is established by the Oregon Judicial Department. The public will have access to Civil, Criminal, Family, Probate, and Traffic Case Records, with most records accessible via court terminals, online services, or by submitting record requests.
A useful resource is the Oregon Courts Website. However, not all Court Records are open to the public. Oregon has enacted laws that limit access to Sensitive Court Records, such as juvenile cases, adoption proceedings, mental health matters, child-support records that contain confidential information, sealed records, and documents containing personally protected information. The Courts will redact this protected information prior to the release of these records.
What Information is Available in Jackson County Court Records?
Court records in Jackson County generally include a variety of information, depending on the type of case filed and the court in which it is filed. Generally speaking, this can include:
- Case number
- Date the case was filed and type
- Plaintiffs, defendants, petitioners, and respondents
- Counsel for parties
- Court docket entries
- Motions to file, and pleadings
- Petitions and answers
- Trial and hearing dates
- Orders and judgment of the Court
- Decrees and judgment
- Sentence information, probation orders
- Warrants and other court actions
- Evidence logs and exhibit lists
- Transcripts
- Jury verdicts
- Appellate filings and appellants' briefs
- Estate administration documents and guardianships
- Family law divorces and custody support
- Citations and traffic dispositions
- Fines, fees, and restitution orders
- Status updates of the case
- Dismissal and Settlement records
Depending upon the nature of the proceeding, some of these types of documents may be restricted from public access due to confidentiality restrictions in state laws or because they are part of protected proceedings
Jackson County Court Records Search
On-line Access
Researchers can find and research court documents for Jackson County, Oregon, through an official web-based system maintained by the Oregon Judicial Department. This primary public portal is called the Oregon Courts Case Information Portal. This is a tool where a searcher can look up their case using the case number of either party involved. There are different ways to gain access depending on the type of case. Some types of cases, such as juvenile cases or sealed cases, cannot be found online or only provide limited data.
In-Person Access
Court documents can also be accessed at the clerk's office for the Jackson County Circuit Court, located at:
100 South
Oakdale Avenue,
Medford, Oregon
In addition to accessing these documents online, visitors can use the public computers available to them or obtain a paper copy of their court documents from court personnel. A valid form of ID and possibly a fee for copying would be required.
Mail and Phone Request
Search requests can also be made by mailing a written request to the clerk of the Jackson County Circuit Court at the above address. If possible, include the dates, names, and case details. The processing time for searching and locating court documents usually takes five to ten working days. All costs associated with reproducing the documents can be paid by check or money order. While phone calls can be made for general questions, they are not permitted for obtaining a complete copy of all records
Fees for Court Records in Jackson County
Generally, viewing Jackson County court records is free, but there may be fees for a printed copy of the record, a certified copy of a court document, or staff assistance with the search. The fee schedule for these items is established by state law, specifically, the Oregon Judicial Department, and implemented by each circuit court within its respective county.
The typical costs for printing or copying records include approximately 25 cents per page. There will likely be a $5 charge per item for certified copies of most court documents, unless otherwise specified. If it takes an extended period to locate the requested information because it must be retrieved from storage files, or if staff assistance is required beyond what is normally provided, the administrative fee may.
In general, basic access to court records using computers in public areas is usually free. However, when certification is required, or large quantities of records need to be reproduced, higher costs apply. For mail or in-person requests, payment prior to service is usually made by cash, check, or money order, although many local courts now accept cards for certain in-person services.
Overall, the intent behind this process was to allow individuals to review court records while providing a means to recover costs associated with reproducing and accessing those records.
Jackson County Courthouse Locations
Circuit Courts in Jackson County
Jackson County Circuit Court
100 South Oakdale Avenue, Medford, OR 97501
Phone: 541-776-7171
Fax: 541-776-7057
Jackson County Juvenile Court
Juvenile Services Building
609 West 10th Street, Medford, OR 97501
Phone: 541-776-7171 ext. 585
Fax: 541-776-7057
Municipal Courts in Jackson County
Ashland Municipal Court
1175 East Main Street, Ashland, OR 97520
Phone: 541-482-5214
Fax: 541-488-5586
Central Point Municipal Court
155 South 2nd Street, Central Point, OR 97502
Phone: 541-664-3321 ext. 200
Eagle Point Municipal Court
17 Buchanan Avenue, PO Box 779, Eagle Point, OR 97524
Phone: 541-826-4212
Fax: 541-826-6155
Gold Hill Municipal Court
420 6th Avenue, PO Box 308, Gold Hill, OR 97525
Phone: 541-855-1525
Jacksonville Municipal Court
110 East Main Street, PO Box 7, Jacksonville, OR 97530
Phone: 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, PO Box 330, Phoenix, OR 97535
Phone: 541-535-1955 ext. 302
Fax: 541-535-5769
Rogue River Municipal Court
133 Broadway, PO Box 1137, Rogue River, OR 97537
Phone: 541-582-4401
Justice Courts in Jackson County
Jackson Justice Court
505 Oak Street, Central Point, OR 97502
Phone: 541-774-1286
Fax: 541-774-1288
Criminal Records Access in Jackson County
Jackson County court records and Oregon Criminal History Records serve separate purposes and are managed by different offices. The Oregon State Police (OSP) manages all official criminal history background searches in Oregon and maintains the state's criminal history database. OSP can provide arrest, charge, conviction, and other criminal justice reportable information from any agency in the State of Oregon.
On the other hand, the Jackson County Circuit Court maintains the local court case files regarding criminal actions filed within the county. Case files available from the circuit court may have the case numbers, charges, any filings made prior to trial, hearing dates, any plea agreement reached, judgment entered against the defendants, and sentence imposed upon them. There are various ways to access many of these case files. Interested persons can use the Oregon Judicial Department's online case search tool to locate and view some of this information, or visit the clerk's office at the courthouse in person.
Please note that conducting a court record search does not constitute an official criminal history check. While there may be cases where criminal history information is restricted due to statutory restrictions, sealed by a court order, or expunged, it will still appear in related court records.
Jackson County Probate Records
The Circuit Court in Jackson County is responsible for maintaining all county probate records related to estate administration. This pertains to situations involving death, as well as other cases where it is necessary to protect people who cannot take care of themselves. Probate Records generally include the will, inventory of the decedent's estate, probate petition, any filings regarding trusts, and the court orders concerning both estates and protected persons.
While many probate records are open to the public, they can typically be obtained either online through the Oregon court record search or by contacting the clerk of the court's office and requesting a copy.
Jackson County Family Court Records
The family court records describing legal disputes involving family relationships or domestic issues are kept by the Clerk of the Jackson County Circuit Court. Those types of records would include divorce actions, child custody disputes, parenting time orders, child support cases, spousal support actions, adoptions, guardianships, and other family law-type filings.
Family Court Cases can be accessed through the Oregon Court System's online search for case details and docket information for those with qualified public records. Persons who wish to get these records in person should go to the courthouse and ask for help at the clerk's office. Public Access Terminals may be used to find case information.
Copies of a family court record will cost money. Most certified copies of family court records, such as divorce decrees, child custody orders, or support judgments, can be obtained from the Clerk of the Court. To obtain certified copies of family court documents, searchers will need to provide identifying case information. Some records are sealed from public view by state statute. Examples are Adoption Files, Confidential Custody Evaluations, and documents with private personal data.
Federal Court Records in Jackson County
The United States Courts have their own records, and they are different than the State of Oregon and Jackson County Court records. These are cases brought before a judge in federal court. Examples include, but are not limited to, bankruptcy proceedings, federal criminal prosecutions, civil rights suits against individuals or entities, disputes with or against federal agencies, and other cases arising from the application of federal law.
Typically, residents of Jackson County can find these records online through the United States District Court for the District of Oregon, which has jurisdiction over all federally filed cases in Oregon.
Almost all federal court records can be accessed electronically through the federal judiciary's Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) program. Once requesters create an account with PACER, they will be able to search their own case dockets and filings, as well as any judgments entered by the court. The official website for PACER is located at PACER Case Search System.
