Douglas County Court Records Search

Douglas County sits in the Umpqua River valley of southwestern Oregon, with Roseburg as its county seat. The county’s court system processes thousands of cases annually across criminal, civil, family, and probate matters, and the records generated from those proceedings are maintained by the Douglas County Circuit Court, the Douglas County Clerk, and several municipal and justice courts. Whether you need to verify a case status, obtain a certified judgment, or research an estate filing, understanding where records are kept and how to request them is essential.

Oregon’s court records can be explored through several channels, including local clerk offices, courthouse public-access terminals, and statewide online tools. The Oregon Judicial Department maintains case search resources and calendar information at OregonCourts.us, which can help locate publicly available court case information across all of the state’s circuit courts. The sections below walk through every practical step for searching, requesting, and obtaining Douglas County court records.

How to Look Up a Court Case in Douglas County?

The primary custodian of court case records in Douglas County is the Circuit Court, part of the 16th Judicial District. All case filings, orders, judgments, and related documents pass through the court clerk’s office inside the Justice Building.

Douglas County Circuit Court
Address: 1036 SE Douglas Ave, Justice Building Room 201, Roseburg, OR 97470
Phone: (541) 957-2471

Searching in person. Two public-access computer terminals are available in the lobby of Room 201 at the Justice Building. Visitors can review statewide circuit court case information and most filed documents on these terminals at no charge. State and federal law require the court to restrict access to certain protected information, but the vast majority of civil, criminal, and probate filings can be viewed during regular business hours.

Searching online. The Oregon Judicial Department operates two electronic search systems:

The OJD Records and Calendar Search provides free access to basic case information and court calendars for all Oregon circuit courts, the Tax Court, and appellate courts. Users can search by case number or party name.
The Oregon Judicial Case Information Network (OJCIN OnLine) is a low-cost subscription service that delivers more extensive case data, including filed documents for registered users. OJCIN OnLine subscriber support can be reached at (800) 858-9658 (Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.) or by email at ojcin.online@ojd.state.or.us.

Requesting copies. To obtain copies of specific documents, complete the online Court Records Request Form. When filling out the form, include the full names of the parties, the case number and year filed, the specific documents needed, your preferred delivery method (email, mail, in-person pickup, or pickup at another court location), and whether you need regular, certified, or exemplified copies. Processing typically takes up to five court business days for an initial response, with up to ten additional days to complete the request.

Copy fees (paper — mailed or picked up in person):

Copy request per case: $3.00 plus $0.25 per page
Certified copy: $5.00 per document plus $0.25 per page
Exemplified copy: $10.00 per document plus $0.25 per page

Copy fees (electronic — emailed):

Electronic document emailed: $3.00 per case
Microfilm document emailed: $0.45 per page
Electronic certified copy: $5.00 per document
Electronic exemplified copy: $10.00 per document

Additional charges apply for CDs ($1.00 plus electronic copy costs) and mailing (actual postage). All fees must be paid in full before copies are produced. Accepted payment methods include cash, check, cashier’s check, money order, Visa, and MasterCard. Mailed payments should be sent to the Douglas County Circuit Court at 1036 SE Douglas Ave, Justice Building Room 201, Roseburg, OR 97470.

Anyone who cannot afford filing or copy fees may apply for a fee deferral or waiver through the Oregon Judicial Department’s Forms Center.

Are Court Records Public in Douglas County?

Oregon’s Public Records Law (ORS 192.311–192.478) establishes a broad presumption that government records, including court records, are open to public inspection and copying. Most case files at the Douglas County Circuit Court, from civil complaints and criminal indictments to probate petitions and judgments, fall within this public-access framework.

Certain categories of records are restricted or exempt from disclosure, however. Under Oregon law and court rules, the following types of information are typically not available to the general public:

Juvenile court records — governed by ORS 419A.255, these records are confidential. Only parties to the case, their attorneys, and specific agencies (such as the Department of Human Services, Oregon Youth Authority, and the District Attorney) may access them without a court order. Any other person or entity must file a Motion and Proposed Order demonstrating good cause, serve all parties, and obtain judicial approval before records are released. The court provides a Motion and Proposed Order packet for this purpose.
Adoption records — sealed under separate statutes; access requires eligibility verification. The Oregon Judicial Department maintains an Adoption Record Access page with instructions and a downloadable Request for Court Adoption Record form.
Mental health proceedings — case information involving involuntary commitment and related proceedings is shielded from public search.
Cases covered by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) — the Oregon Judicial Department does not display these records through its online search tools.
Unresolved criminal investigation information — investigatory records that could compromise an active case may be withheld.
Attorney-client privileged communications and personal identifying information made confidential by court order.

Records with restricted portions may still be accessible with redactions applied. Requesters who believe they are entitled to sealed or confidential records should consult with an attorney or contact the court for guidance on filing the appropriate motion.

Douglas County Criminal Court Records

Criminal cases in Douglas County are filed and adjudicated in the Circuit Court. These range from misdemeanors and violations to serious felony charges. Records generated during criminal proceedings include complaints, indictments, arraignment documents, bail and bond records, plea agreements, trial transcripts, sentencing orders, and judgments.

Searching criminal court records. The same methods described above apply: visit the public-access terminals at the Justice Building, use the free OJD Records Search, or subscribe to OJCIN OnLine for more detailed access. To obtain document copies, submit the online Court Records Request Form with the case number and party names.

Audio recordings of hearings. Douglas County Circuit Court records proceedings using the For The Record (FTR) system. Audio copies are available via the same online request form. Current fees for audio copies are:

Digital file by email: $9.00
Flash drive pickup at courthouse: $14.00 ($9.00 copy fee + $5.00 flash drive)
Flash drive by U.S. mail: $17.00 ($9.00 copy fee + $5.00 flash drive + $3.00 postage)
Fee waived for court-appointed attorneys, district attorneys, and judicial partners

The free FTR Player needed to play these recordings can be downloaded from fortherecord.com. Note that the software is not currently compatible with Apple devices. Requests are processed in the order received; if estimated completion exceeds ten working days, the court will notify you.

Douglas County Sheriff’s Office records. The Sheriff’s Office maintains its own records division for police reports, dispatch logs, criminal histories, and related law enforcement documentation. To request records, complete the Sheriff’s Office Records Request Form and submit it in person or by mail:

Douglas County Sheriff’s Office
Address: Justice Building, 1036 SE Douglas Ave, Roseburg, OR 97470
Phone: (541) 440-4450
Fax: (541) 440-4470
Email: dcso.records@douglascountyor.gov

Sheriff’s Office records fees:

Single-page or face sheet report: $5.00
Reports up to six pages: $8.00
Each additional page beyond six: $0.25
Photos: $15.00
Research: $25.00 per processing hour (billed in 15-minute increments)
Dispatch communications audio: $10.00
Body-worn camera video: requires subpoena; $30.00 first hour, $25.00 each additional hour

Allow a minimum of three days for processing. A research fee deposit may be required before work begins.

Oregon State Police criminal history checks. The Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division of the Oregon State Police serves as the state’s central repository for criminal offender information. Two types of public requests are available:

Copy of your own record — fingerprint-based search; $33.00 fee plus $30.00 if using OSP’s Salem office for fingerprinting. Mail the completed request form, fingerprint card, and fee to Oregon State Police CJIS Division, Unit 11, P.O. Box 4395, Portland, OR 97208-4395. Processing takes 7–10 business days (not including mail time).
Open record request on someone else — name-based search; $33.00 fee. The subject of the record is notified by law, and a 14-day challenge period applies before results are released. Requests can also be submitted through the online Open Records portal.

Marijuana pardons. Individuals seeking records related to Governor Brown’s marijuana pardons can visit the Marijuana Pardons Information page on the Oregon Judicial Department’s website.

Douglas County Civil Court Records

Civil matters handled by the Douglas County Circuit Court span contract disputes, personal injury claims, property damage actions, debt collection, landlord-tenant conflicts (known as Forcible Entry and Detainer or FED actions), and small claims. Civil court records include complaints, answers, motions, discovery documents, trial exhibits, rulings, and final judgments.

Obtaining civil court records. The process mirrors that for criminal records: search on the public terminals, use the OJD free search tools or OJCIN OnLine, or submit the online Court Records Request Form. Copy fees follow the same schedule outlined above.

Small claims and FED filing fees. Douglas County’s Justice Court and Circuit Court handle small claims and eviction proceedings. Key fees from the Douglas County fee schedule include:

Small claims filing fee: $37.00 plus $50.00 Sheriff’s service fee (up to two persons; $25.00 each additional)
Small claims answer fee: $37.00
Plaintiff’s additional filing fee after defendant’s answer with jury demand: $53.00 plus $50.00 service fee
Demand jury trial fee: $215.00 (includes $90.00 civil answer fee and $125.00 jury fee; controversy must exceed $750)
FED (eviction) filing fee: $90.00 plus $50.00 service fee
FED defendant’s answer: $90.00
Writ of Execution (FED): $20.00 filing fee plus $130.00 Sheriff’s Office execution and service fee
Appeal from small claims judgment: $170.00 to Circuit Court plus $9.00 transcript fee to Justice Court
Assignment of Judgment: $6.00
Garnishment: $6.00 plus Sheriff’s service fee
Certified copy of judgment: $9.00 (Justice Court) plus $7.00 (Circuit Court)

Sheriff’s Office civil process. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Civil Division handles service of summons, complaints, court orders, subpoenas, restraining orders, evictions, writs, and garnishments. The division operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed 12:30–1:00 p.m. for lunch). Contact the civil unit at (541) 440-4560.

Municipal and justice courts. Douglas County has several municipal courts in Canyonville, Glendale, Myrtle Creek, Reedsport, Roseburg, Sutherlin, Winston, and Yoncalla, plus justice courts in Canyonville, Glendale, and Reedsport. These courts handle traffic infractions, local ordinance violations, and limited civil matters. Contact the specific court for record inquiries:

Court	Address	Phone
Roseburg Municipal Court	900 SE Douglas Ave, Roseburg, OR 97470	(541) 492-6720
Reedsport Justice Court	680 Fir St, Reedsport, OR 97467	(541) 271-4868
Sutherlin Municipal Court	126 E Central Ave, Sutherlin, OR 97479	(541) 459-4636
Winston Municipal Court	201 NW Douglas Blvd, Winston, OR 97496	(541) 679-5561

Douglas County Family Court Records

The Douglas County Circuit Court’s family law division handles divorce, legal separation, annulment, child custody, child support, spousal support, and domestic violence restraining orders. Records from these cases include petitions, financial disclosures, parenting plans, custody evaluations, support orders, and final judgments or decrees.

Requesting family court records. Use the same online Court Records Request Form to obtain copies. Standard copy fees apply: $0.25 per page for paper copies, $5.00 per document for certification, and $10.00 per document for exemplification. Electronic copies delivered by email cost $3.00 per case for regular copies or $5.00 per document for certified versions.

Adoption records. Because adoption proceedings are sealed, special procedures apply. Qualified requesters must complete the Request for Court Adoption Record form and submit it to the court. The Oregon Judicial Department’s adoption record access page outlines who qualifies and what documentation is needed.

Juvenile case records. Access is strictly limited under ORS 419A.255. Parties to the case, their attorneys, and designated government agencies may request records directly. All others must file a Motion and Proposed Order with a sworn declaration stating the requestor’s relationship to the case, the specific documents sought, and the reason for the request. Audio recordings from juvenile hearings require a separate finding of good cause. Parties to juvenile cases are not charged for paper or audio copies; all others pay $0.25 per page for paper records, $5.00 per certified document, and $9.00 for digital audio files.

Marriage licenses. The Douglas County Clerk’s Office issues marriage licenses. Applicants can begin the process through the online marriage application. The marriage license fee is $50.00 (nonrefundable). A three-day waiting period applies unless the couple pays a $25.00 waiver fee. The license is valid for 60 days. Once the completed license is returned after the ceremony, certified copies are available for $7.75 each. A lost license can be replaced for $25.00. The Clerk’s Office accepts cash, money orders, and credit or debit cards (with an additional processing fee for cards).

Douglas County Clerk’s Office
Address: 1036 SE Douglas Ave, Room 124, Roseburg, OR 97470
Phone: (541) 440-3513
Fax: (541) 677-5820

Vital records. The County Clerk issues certified copies of birth and death certificates for events that occurred within the past six months. The fee is $25.00 per certified copy. Requesters must present valid photo identification. Applications can be downloaded: Birth Certificate Application or Death Certificate Application. For events older than six months, requests should be directed to the Oregon Health Authority Center for Health Statistics.

Douglas County Probate Court Records

Probate matters in Douglas County are heard by the Circuit Court rather than a separate probate court. The court handles the administration of decedents’ estates, validation of wills, appointment of personal representatives, guardianships of incapacitated adults, conservatorships, and trust-related disputes.

Searching probate records. Probate case information is available through the same channels as other Circuit Court records. The public-access terminals in Room 201 of the Justice Building display probate filings, and both the free OJD Records Search and OJCIN OnLine subscription service include probate case data.

Requesting copies. Submit the Court Records Request Form with the decedent’s name, case number, and the specific documents you need (such as letters testamentary, inventories, accountings, or final orders). Fees are the same as for other case types. Certified copies are commonly required for estate administration—particularly for fiduciary letters and small estate affidavits that must be presented to financial institutions or government agencies. When ordering certified copies of probate documents, confirm with the receiving agency whether they will accept an electronic certification (stamped digitally in color) or require a paper certified copy with an ink stamp and seal. Removing staples from a multi-page paper certified document invalidates the certification.

Guardianship and conservatorship records. Court files involving guardianships of minors or incapacitated adults and conservatorships are maintained by the Circuit Court clerk. These records are generally public, though portions related to protected persons’ financial accounts or medical information may be redacted or restricted by court order.

Property records related to estates. When probate proceedings involve real property transfers, the resulting deeds and related instruments are recorded by the Douglas County Clerk’s Recording Division. Property records can be searched through the Clerk’s Digital Research Room or the online deed indexes for 1990 and earlier. The Douglas County Assessor’s property search tool provides current ownership and valuation data. For questions about recorded property documents, contact the County Clerk at (541) 672-3311 or visit the Recording Inquiry page on the Douglas County website.