Clackamas Court Records serve as the official case dockets, filings, and legal documents generated by the Clackamas County Circuit Court, Oregon’s 5th Judicial District. Anyone can perform a Clackamas County court records search through the Oregon Judicial Department’s free online portal, the Oregon Judicial Case Information System (OJCIS). This public access system lets you run a Clackamas County case lookup by party name, case number, or attorney bar number without creating an account or stating a reason. The Clackamas County Oregon court docket covers civil lawsuits, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate estates, small claims, and traffic violations. For a deeper dive, a Clackamas County circuit court case search reveals hearing dates, filed motions, judgments, and disposition details. While basic index data is free, viewing Clackamas County court documents online costs a small per-page fee, though in-person public terminals at the Oregon City courthouse offer no-cost access. This straightforward system eliminates guesswork for journalists, employers, landlords, and self-represented litigants who need reliable Clackamas County judicial records search results fast.
Clackamas Court Records give you direct insight into the workings of the local justice system, whether you’re verifying a neighbor’s litigation history or pulling your own case file. A complete Clackamas County court case information search starts with the official OJCIS platform, which indexes records from roughly 1985 forward. For older matters, the Oregon State Archives and courthouse microfilm collections fill the gap. When you need certified copies for legal proceedings, a Clackamas County civil court records lookup through the clerk’s office provides stamped, court-authenticated documents for a flat certification fee plus per-page copying costs. If you only have a docket number, a Clackamas County court case number search cuts through common-name confusion and returns the exact file instantly. The process respects Oregon public records law while protecting sealed juvenile files and expunged convictions from public view. By understanding how Clackamas County court records access works, you save time, avoid third-party middlemen, and get facts straight from the source—the Clackamas County Circuit Court itself.
How to Search Clackamas County Court Records Online (Free)
The official method to search Clackamas County court records is through the free Oregon Judicial Case Information System (OJCIS) at courts.oregon.gov/services/online. Searches can be conducted by case number, party name, business name, or attorney bar number. Full document images require a $0.25–$0.50 per-page fee or in-person courthouse viewing.
Step-by-Step: OJCIS Clackamas County Case Lookup
- Go to courts.oregon.gov/services/online/ojcis
- Pick search type: “Case Number,” “Party Name,” or “Attorney”
- Choose “Clackamas County” from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Type at least a last name and first initial for party searches
- Set a date range to reduce false matches
- Click a case number from the results list to see the docket
- Pay the per-page fee to view document images, or
- Use the courthouse public terminal for free viewing
courts.oregon.gov/services/online/ojcis
Clackamas County Case Number Search Format
Oregon case numbers follow a pattern. For example, 22CV12345 breaks down as:
| Segment | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 22 | Year filed (2022) |
| CV | Case type code (Civil) |
| 12345 | Sequential filing number |
Common Case Type Codes
- CV — Civil
- CR — Criminal
- DR — Domestic Relations (family law)
- PR — Probate
- SC — Small Claims
- MV — Motor Vehicle (traffic)
- JJ — Juvenile
- IN — Injunction
- STK — Stalking Order
Courthouse Public Terminal (PAT)
The Clackamas County Courthouse in Oregon City has free public terminals in the Law Library and Clerk’s Office. These terminals let you search full documents back to the early 1990s for most case types.
Location: 807 Main Street, Oregon City, OR 97045
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed Oregon state holidays)
You can view case files, dockets, and orders at no cost. Bring a photo ID.
Name-Based vs. Case Number Searches
| Method | Best For | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Case Number | Exact lookup, attorney use, journalist verification | Requires prior knowledge |
| Party Name | Background checks, genealogy, general lookup | Common name collisions; date range helps |
| Attorney Bar # | Finding all cases handled by specific counsel | Limited to attorney-driven filings |
| Business Name | Corporate litigation, UCC filings | May require registered agent name |
What Are Clackamas Court Records and What Information Do They Contain?
Clackamas Court Records are the official docket filings and case documents produced by the Clackamas County Circuit Court, Oregon’s 5th Judicial District. Records are governed by the Oregon Public Records Law (ORS Chapter 192) and are searchable for free through the Oregon Judicial Case Information System (OJCIS) and Oregon Judicial Information Network (OJIN).
Clackamas County Court System Structure
5th Judicial District Authority
The Clackamas County Circuit Court is a trial court of general jurisdiction. It handles all major civil and criminal matters within the county. The court operates under the Oregon Judicial Department and follows statewide rules.
Divisions Within Clackamas County Circuit Court
- Civil Division
- Criminal Division
- Family Law Division
- Probate / Estates Division
- Juvenile Department
- Small Claims Department
- Traffic / Violations Bureau
Types of Records Available
Civil Case Records
Civil records cover contract disputes, tort claims, property disagreements, and evictions. You can find complaints, answers, motions, and final judgments.
Criminal Case Records
Criminal records include felonies, misdemeanors, and probation violations. Dockets show charges, plea entries, sentencing, and probation status.
Family Court Records
Family records contain divorce decrees, custody orders, protective orders, and paternity judgments. Some sensitive details may be restricted.
Probate Records
Probate files hold wills, estate inventories, guardianships, and conservatorships. These records are public unless sealed by the court.
Traffic and Infraction Records
Traffic records list DUII, speeding, and moving violations. They show fines, license suspensions, and court dates.
Small Claims Records
Small claims cases involve disputes under $10,000. Records are brief and include the claim, hearing date, and judgment.
Juvenile Records
Juvenile records are subject to ORS 419A.255 sealing. Most are not public after automatic sealing under 2020 HB 4092.
What Records Are NOT Public
- Sealed or expunged records (ORS 137.225)
- Adoption files (post-decree)
- Grand jury proceedings
- Mental health commitment records
- Confidential informant identities
- Juvenile adjudications (post-2020 sealing)
- Trade secrets / sealed settlement agreements
Who Can View Clackamas County Court Records and What Are the Restrictions?
Clackamas County court records are presumed public under Oregon Public Records Law (ORS 192.355). Any member of the public may search and view records without stating a purpose. Restrictions apply to sealed records, juvenile cases, mental health proceedings, and certain family court documents. Subscribers may register for OJIN for bulk use.
Eligibility for Free Public Viewing
- No registration required for OJCIS
- No proof of citizenship required
- No Oregon residency requirement
- No statement of purpose required (ORS 192.355)
Restricted and Sealed Records
Some records are hidden from public view. ORS 137.225 allows expungement of certain criminal records. Sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement and specific agencies but not the general public. Automatic sealing applies to many juvenile cases. Victim confidentiality protections also limit access to personal information.
How to Confirm a Record Is Sealed
If a record does not appear in OJCIS, it may be sealed. You can contact the Clackamas County Clerk’s Office to verify. A court order is required to view sealed files.
OJIN Subscription for Bulk Users
Attorneys, journalists, investigators, and title companies can subscribe to OJIN for bulk access. The annual subscription fee varies. Subscribers get faster search tools and API access for institutional use. Contact the Oregon Judicial Department for current pricing.
Requesting Certified Copies, Documents, and Records from Clackamas County
Certified copies of Clackamas County court records cost $5.00 for the certification plus $0.25 per page. Requests can be submitted in person at the Clackamas County Courthouse, by mail using the Records Request Form, or electronically through the OJD Online Records portal. Processing time is typically 3–10 business days for mail requests.
Fee Schedule (2026)
| Service | Cost | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Copy (per document) | $5.00 + $0.25/page | Same day (in-person) |
| Regular Copy (per page) | $0.25 | Same day |
| Document Search (per year) | $5.00 | 3–5 business days |
| Exemplified Copy | $20.00 + per-page fees | 5–10 business days |
| Audio/CD of Hearing | $10.00 per disk | 5–7 business days |
| Apostille / Authentication | See ORS 194.052 + $30.00 | 2–4 weeks |
How to Request Certified Copies
Option 1: In-Person at the Courthouse
Visit the Clerk’s Office at 807 Main Street, Oregon City. Bring the case number and photo ID. Pay with cash, money order, or credit/debit card. Same-day service is usually available.
Option 2: Mail-In Records Request Form
Download the Records Request Form (CR-1) from the Oregon Judicial Department website. Mail it with a check payable to “Clackamas County Clerk” and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Allow 3–10 business days.
Option 3: Attorney Service Request
Attorneys can order documents through the OJIN electronic filing system. Fees are billed to the firm’s account.
Option 4: Online Document Ordering
Use the OJD Online Records portal at courts.oregon.gov to request copies. Pay by credit card. Delivery is electronic or by mail.
Payment Methods Accepted
- Cash (in-person)
- Money order
- Credit/debit card (in-person and online)
- Check payable to: “Clackamas County Clerk”
Who Uses Clackamas County Court Records and Why?
Clackamas County court records are routinely used by journalists investigating local government, legal professionals conducting diligence, employers running background checks, family members researching relatives, genealogists tracing ancestry, and self-represented litigants preparing court filings. The records themselves are public.
For Journalists and Reporters
Reporters use court records to investigate local crime, track public officials’ litigation history, and verify facts. Oregon ethics laws (ORS 244) require certain disclosures that appear in court files.
For Legal Professionals
Attorneys and paralegals check conflict-of-interest, review prior counsel and plea history, and monitor dockets for case updates. OJIN subscription streamlines this work.
For Employers and Landlords
Employers may run background checks but must follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and Oregon’s ban-the-box law (ORS 659A.360). Landlords often check eviction and criminal history. Always verify records through official sources.
For Genealogists and Family Researchers
Probate records, name change petitions, and historical clerk’s books are valuable for family history. Pre-1900 records are held at the Oregon State Archives in Salem.
For Self-Represented Litigants and Defendants
You can check your own record, verify hearing dates, pull court orders for compliance, and assess expungement eligibility. The public terminal is free to use.
Limitations of Free Clackamas Court Records and Paid Alternatives
Free OJCIS records do not include full document images, sealed case indices, or archived pre-1985 records. Paid services like Westlaw, PACER (federal only), and LexisNexis offer deeper indexing, alert monitoring, and bulk export. For complete research, professionals often combine OJCIS with the Oregon State Archives and the Clackamas County Clerk’s microfilm collection.
What Free OJCIS Does NOT Include
- Documents filed before 1985
- Sealed record indices (subject to ORS 192.355)
- Real-time notification of new filings
- Full-text search of document bodies
Comparison Table: Free vs. Paid Services
| Feature | OJCIS (Free) | Oregon State Archives | CourtListener | Westlaw / Lexis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $0 | $0 | $0 | Subscription |
| Coverage | 1985–Present | Pre-1985 historical | Published opinions | All + analytics |
| Document Images | Pay-per-page | Microfilm only | No | Yes |
| Alert Monitoring | No | No | No | Yes |
Third-Party Aggregators (Use With Caution)
Many websites offer Clackamas County court record searches. These sites often have outdated or incorrect data. They are not FCRA-compliant for employment screening. Always confirm findings with the official OJCIS system or the courthouse.
Federal Records (PACER) — Not for Clackamas County
Clackamas County cases are state cases, not federal. PACER is for U.S. District Court records. If a case involves a federal question, it may appear in PACER under the District of Oregon, but typical county-level records are only in OJCIS.
Expungement, Sealing, and Correcting Clackamas County Court Records
Oregon law allows criminal records to be set aside (expunged) under ORS 137.225, juvenile records sealed automatically under ORS 419A.255, and certain civil records sealed by court order. The process begins with a petition filed in the Clackamas County Circuit Court, payment of the $281 filing fee (as of 2026), and a 60-day objection period for the District Attorney.
Setting Aside a Criminal Record (Expungement)
Eligibility depends on the offense class and waiting period. Most misdemeanors require a 3-year wait after the case closes. Felonies may require 7 years or more. Use forms SHR-301, SHR-304, and SHR-309. File the petition at the courthouse. The court may waive the filing fee if you cannot pay. The District Attorney has 60 days to object. If no objection, the judge signs the order and the record is sealed.
Sealing Juvenile Records
Under 2020 HB 4092, most juvenile records are automatically sealed when the person turns 18 or when the case ends, whichever is later. Early sealing is possible by petition. Sealed juvenile records do not appear in public searches.
Correcting Clerical Errors on the Docket
If your name, date of birth, or case type is wrong, file a Motion to Correct Records under UTCR 2.110. The motion explains the error and asks the court to fix it. No filing fee is required for clerical corrections. The judge reviews and issues an order.
Name Changes and Adoption Records
Adult adoption records (ORS 109.305) and name change orders are public unless sealed. Post-decree adoption files are confidential. Access requires a court order.
Contact Information
Clackamas County Courthouse
807 Main Street
Oregon City, OR 97045
Phone: (503) 655-8443
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed Oregon state holidays)
Frequently Asked Questions
Clackamas Court Records are public documents from the Clackamas County Circuit Court. You can look up case files, dockets, and judgments using the Oregon Judicial Case Information System (OJCIS). This free online search helps you find civil, criminal, family, and traffic cases. You can search by name, case number, or attorney. Read on for answers to common questions about Clackamas County court records search, case lookup, and document access.
How do I start a Clackamas County court records search online?
Go to the Oregon Judicial Case Information System (OJCIS) website. Click the Smart Search button. Pick Clackamas County from the court list. Type a last name and first name, or a business name. You can also search by case number. Hit the search button. The system shows matching cases. Click a case number to see the register of actions. This list shows every filing, hearing date, and outcome. You can view the docket for free. Full document images cost $0.25 per page. You can also visit the courthouse to see files at no charge.
What is the Clackamas County case lookup procedure for civil and criminal cases?
Both civil and criminal case lookups use the same OJCIS system. First, select Clackamas County Circuit Court. Then enter a party name or case number. Civil cases include lawsuits, small claims, and family law. Criminal cases include felonies, misdemeanors, and violations. The search results show the case type, filing date, and current status. Click the case number to see the full docket. You can track upcoming hearings and past rulings. For closed criminal cases, some details may be hidden by law. You can always visit the courthouse to view the physical file.
Can I view Clackamas County court documents online for free?
You can view docket sheets and basic case details for free through OJCIS. The docket lists every filing and court event. To see the actual documents, you must pay a fee. Each page costs $0.25 to view online. You can also go to the Clackamas County Circuit Court clerk’s office. There, you can look at paper files on public terminals at no cost. If you need copies, the clerk charges $0.25 per page. Some sealed cases, like adoptions or juvenile matters, are not open to the public.
How do I perform a Clackamas County circuit court case search by party name?
Open the OJCIS Smart Search page. Choose Clackamas County Circuit Court. Enter the last name and first name of the person. You can also search by a business name. The system finds all cases linked to that name. You will see case numbers, filing dates, and case types. Click any case number to open the register of actions. If the name is common, add a middle initial or narrow the date range. This search works for both current and closed cases. You can also search by attorney bar number to find cases handled by a specific lawyer.
What details show up in Clackamas County judicial records search results?
Search results show the case number, party names, case type, and filing date. After you click a case, the register of actions lists every event. You will see motions, orders, judgments, and hearing dates. The docket also shows attorney names and judge assignments. For criminal cases, you can see charges and dispositions. Civil case dockets show pleadings and trial dates. Some personal data, like social security numbers, is hidden. You can use these details to track case progress or check the outcome of a dispute. The docket updates as new filings happen.
How can I get Clackamas County court case information for a closed case?
Closed cases stay in the OJCIS system. Search by case number or party name just like an open case. The docket remains available. If the case is older, you may need to visit the Clackamas County Circuit Court clerk’s office. Some older records are stored offsite. You can request the file from the clerk. There may be a retrieval fee. You can also ask the clerk to make copies. The fee is $0.25 per page. For very old cases, microfilm or archived databases might hold the records. The clerk can tell you how to get those files.