Clatsop County, Oregon court records can be searched through several channels. ClatsopCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through the Oregon Judicial Department's online records and calendar search, the Clatsop County Circuit Court clerk's office, or public-access terminals located at the courthouse. The method you use will depend on the type of record, how old it is, and whether you need a certified copy.
Clatsop Court System & Jurisdictions
Oregon uses a unified court structure, so the Clatsop County Circuit Court — the 18th Judicial District — is the trial court of general jurisdiction. Unlike states that split cases between district, magistrate, and superior courts, Oregon circuit courts handle virtually all case types in a single court.
The Clatsop County Circuit Court currently has three elected judges and hears:
- Criminal cases — felonies, misdemeanors, and violations (including traffic offenses)
- Civil cases — contract disputes, personal injury, property disputes, and general civil matters
- Family law — divorce, custody, child support, and domestic relations
- Probate and estate matters — wills, guardianships, conservatorships, and estate administration
- Small claims — civil disputes up to $10,000 (filed and heard within the circuit court)
- Juvenile cases — delinquency and dependency proceedings (access is restricted)
- Protective orders — restraining orders, stalking orders, and elder abuse prevention orders
If you are unsure which docket to search, start with the circuit court — it is the single trial-level court for the county. Federal cases filed in Clatsop County's geographic area are handled by the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon, not the state circuit court.
Clatsop Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The Oregon Judicial Department (OJD) provides free online access to court calendars for all circuit courts, including Clatsop County. You can look up today's hearings, upcoming dates, and scheduled proceedings through the OJD Records and Calendar Search tool.
How to check the calendar
- Go to the OJD online search tool.
- Select Clatsop County from the court list.
- Choose the calendar or case search option.
- Search by date, case number, or party name.
The calendar typically shows the case number, party names, hearing type, courtroom, judge, and scheduled time. Calendars are updated regularly, but last-minute changes — continuances, cancellations, or courtroom reassignments — may not always appear immediately online.
You can also check the calendar by:
- Calling the Clatsop County Circuit Court clerk's office
- Visiting the courthouse and reviewing the posted daily calendar
The Clatsop County Circuit Court homepage also links to remote hearing information for cases conducted by video or phone.
How to Get a Copy of a Clatsop Court Document
Court documents in Clatsop County can be obtained online, in person, or by mail. The type of copy you need — certified or uncertified — will affect the process and cost.
Online
Basic case information is available for free through the OJD online search. However, full document images and certified copies generally require a request to the clerk's office. Visit the Clatsop County Court Records Requests page for specific instructions on how to submit a records request.
In person
Walk into the clerk's office at the courthouse, provide the case number or party names, and request copies. Public-access terminals may also be available for self-service lookups.
Clatsop County Circuit Court — Clerk's Office
By mail
Send a written request to the clerk's office at the address above. Include:
- Full case number (if known)
- Names of the parties
- Description of the document(s) needed
- Whether you need certified or uncertified copies
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
- Payment (check or money order) for applicable fees
Certified vs. uncertified copies
- Certified copies carry the court's seal and clerk's signature. They are typically required for legal proceedings, government filings, or official use.
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions and are usually sufficient for personal reference or research.
Some records are restricted by law — including juvenile cases, sealed records, adoption files, and certain mental health proceedings. If a record is confidential under Oregon statute, the clerk will deny the request or provide a redacted version.
Clatsop Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court records in Oregon are set by the Oregon Judicial Department through its Uniform Fee Schedule, authorized under ORS 21.010 and related statutes. The following are standard fees that apply at the Clatsop County Circuit Court. Contact the clerk's office to confirm current amounts, as fees are subject to change.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certified copy — first page | $5.00 |
| Certified copy — each additional page | $0.25 |
| Certificate with seal (no document attached) | $5.00 |
| Record search (per name, per court level searched) | $5.00 |
| Appeal transcript preparation | Varies |
Payment methods
- In person: Cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card (accepted at most Oregon circuit courts)
- By mail: Check or money order payable to the State of Oregon
If you need a criminal history record check rather than a court case document, that is handled separately through the Oregon State Police, not the circuit court clerk. The Clatsop County Jail Roster is a separate resource for current custody information and is maintained by the county, not the court. For state prison records, the Oregon Offender Search tool is available through the Department of Corrections.