Jackson County Court Records
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Jackson County sits in southern Oregon and is home to more than 200,000 residents. Its court records span criminal, civil, family, probate, and juvenile matters filed over many years. Medford, the county seat, is where the Jackson County Circuit Court — the primary trial court of general jurisdiction — operates out of the Justice Building. The county's judicial system also includes a justice court, a juvenile court, and several municipal courts serving incorporated cities. Court records encompass motions, pleadings, judgments, orders, affidavits, audio files, and transcripts generated during legal proceedings.
If you're searching for Oregon court case information, you can access records through clerk offices, online search portals, and in-person courthouse visits. The Oregon Judicial Department maintains free statewide case search tools, and local court staff can help locate specific filings. OregonCourts.us may also help you identify publicly available court case data from Jackson County and beyond.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Jackson County?
There are several practical methods for finding a case filed in Jackson County. The right approach depends on the case type, which court handled it, and whether you need a basic case summary or certified copies of documents.
Online Search Options
- OJD Online Records Search
The Oregon Judicial Department offers a free Online Records Search portal covering circuit courts statewide, including Jackson County. Search by party name or case number to view calendars and basic case information. This tool won't let you download full documents, but it's useful for finding case numbers and hearing dates. - OJCIN Online
The Oregon Judicial Case Information Network offers more detailed access — registers of action, judgment dockets, and case documents. OJCIN requires a subscription and is generally available to Oregon State Bar members, designated government users, and certain qualified businesses.
In-Person Access
Walk-in visitors can view court records at the Jackson County Circuit Court Justice Building during service window hours. Public kiosk computers in the lobby let you look up newer, digitized cases at no charge. For older cases that haven't been digitized, staff at the Public Room window on the first floor can assist. Service window hours are:
- Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM (closed for lunch, 12:00 PM–1:00 PM)
- Building Hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (doors open at 7:30 AM)
- Closed: State holidays
Written and Online Records Requests
To obtain copies of specific documents from a court file, complete and submit the Records Request Form provided by the Jackson County Circuit Court. Delivery options include email, mail, in-person pickup, or transfer to another circuit court location. Court staff will calculate applicable fees after reviewing the request, and all fees must be paid before copies are released. Allow approximately five business days for turnaround, though large or complex requests may take longer.
Copy Fees (Effective January 1, 2025)
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Paper copies | $3 per request in a case + $0.25 per page |
| Certified copies | $5 + $0.25 per page (paper) |
| Electronic copies | $3 per request in a case (no charge if delivered electronically) |
| Audio recording copies | $10 per request in a case |
| Microfilm-to-electronic conversion | $0.45 per page |
| Postage | Actual cost added to mailed orders |
The complete Circuit Court Fee Schedule is published by the Oregon Judicial Department and updated periodically.
Contact Information
Jackson County Circuit Court
Address: 100 S. Oakdale Avenue, Medford, OR 97501-3127
Phone: (541) 776-7171
Fax: (541) 776-7057
Email: JAC.Court.Info@ojd.state.or.us
Are Court Records Public in Jackson County?
Court records in Jackson County are generally treated as public records, open to inspection and copying under the Oregon Public Records Law (ORS Chapter 192). Under ORS 192.311, a public record includes any writing containing information related to the conduct of the public's business — and court files fall within that definition.
That said, state law and court rules carve out meaningful exceptions. Certain records — or portions of them — may be withheld or redacted to protect privacy, safeguard vulnerable individuals, or preserve the integrity of ongoing proceedings. Categories that are confidential or restricted in Oregon include:
- Juvenile court records — Protected under ORS Chapter 419A; access is limited to qualified parties
- Adoption records — Sealed under ORS Chapter 109; available only to adoptive parents, their attorneys, adult adoptees, DHS representatives, or biological parents under specific circumstances
- Expunged records — Set-aside convictions and arrests under ORS 137.225 are generally not publicly accessible
- Child abuse and neglect records
- Drug court program records
- Mental health and medical records submitted in connection with a case
- Personally identifiable information such as Social Security numbers and financial account numbers
- Court-ordered mediation records in domestic relations cases
- Paternity information where disclosure could unreasonably endanger a child or party
The Oregon Attorney General maintains a searchable catalog of public records exemptions that can help you determine whether specific information is accessible or exempt from disclosure.
When a court file contains a mix of public and confidential material, the Uniform Trial Court Rules (UTCR) allow for segregation and redaction. Under UTCR 2.110, a party may request — or the court may order — that confidential information be redacted before a record is released. There is a fee of $25 per case plus $1 per page reviewed for redaction of personal or confidential information.
Jackson County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Jackson County are predominantly tried in the Jackson County Circuit Court, though the Justice Court and municipal courts hear certain misdemeanor and traffic-related offenses. Criminal court records include indictments, complaints, arraignment documents, plea agreements, trial transcripts, sentencing orders, and judgments.
Searching Criminal Court Records
- Circuit Court records can be looked up using the OJD Online Records Search (free) or through OJCIN (subscription). In-person searches are available at the Justice Building in Medford during service window hours.
- Justice Court records for traffic violations and certain misdemeanors are held by the Jackson County Justice Court. Direct inquiries to that court by phone or in person.
- Municipal Court records for violations within Ashland, Medford, Butte Falls, and other incorporated cities are kept by each respective municipal court.
Jackson County Justice Court
Address: 4173 Hamrick Road, Central Point, OR 97502
Phone: (541) 774-1286
Fax: (541) 774-1288
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Arrest Records and Law Enforcement Resources
Local arrest records are held by the law enforcement agency that made the arrest. For arrests in unincorporated parts of Jackson County or in cities that contract with the Sheriff's Office, submit records requests to the Jackson County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office also maintains an online jail roster with current booking information. Under the Oregon Public Records Law, law enforcement agencies may only disclose basic information about adult arrests to the general public.
Statewide Criminal History Checks
For a comprehensive Oregon criminal history report, the Oregon State Police Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division conducts background checks at $33 per request. Two types of checks are available:
- Own-record request — Requires the subject's fingerprints (taken at OSP headquarters in Salem for $30) and a completed request form. Results include the full criminal history and are confidential under ORS 181A.220.
- Open records request on another person — Can be submitted online or by mail. Results are limited to Oregon conviction records and arrests less than one year old for which no dismissal or acquittal has been reported. The fee is also $33.
Jackson County Civil Court Records
The Jackson County Circuit Court handles a broad range of civil matters — tort claims, contract disputes, landlord-tenant actions, foreclosures, personal injury cases, and equitable proceedings. Civil court records include complaints, answers, discovery documents, motions, court orders, and judgments.
Filing Fees for Civil Cases (Effective January 1, 2025)
Filing fees vary depending on the amount claimed:
| Claim Amount | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| $10,000 or less | $170 |
| More than $10,000 but less than $50,000 | $283 |
| $50,000 or more but less than $1,000,000 | $594 |
| $1,000,000 or more but less than $10,000,000 | $884 |
| $10,000,000 or more | $1,178 |
| Equitable remedies only | $281 |
Small Claims
Small claims cases are heard in the circuit court's small claims department. Filing fees are $57 when the plaintiff's claim is $2,500 or less, and $102 when the claim exceeds $2,500. The Jackson County Circuit Court offers a Small Claims and Landlord-Tenant Mediation program as an alternative to trial.
Accessing Civil Records
Civil case records can be viewed at no cost on the lobby kiosk computers at the Justice Building. The OJD Online Records Search also provides basic case information remotely. To get copies of documents, submit the Records Request Form and pay applicable copy fees. The OJD Forms Center and Jackson County local forms page offer downloadable forms for various civil proceedings.
Property Records
While not strictly court records, property documents are frequently relevant in civil litigation. The Jackson County Clerk's Digital Research Room provides online access to property deeds, liens, mortgages, easements, and other recorded instruments. Regular copies cost $4 for the first page and $0.25 for each additional page; certified copies are $7.75 for the first page and $0.25 thereafter. The Jackson County Assessor also maintains a Property Data Online (PDO) system for free searches of ownership data, assessed values, sales histories, and zoning information.
Jackson County Family Court Records
Family law cases in Jackson County — including dissolution of marriage (divorce), legal separation, annulment, child custody, child support, paternity, and spousal support — are handled by the Jackson County Circuit Court. The court also addresses protective (restraining) orders related to domestic violence.
Searching Family Court Records
Family case records can be searched through the same online and in-person channels used for other circuit court cases. However, certain family records carry heightened confidentiality protections:
- Adoption records are sealed and can only be released to an adoptive parent, the adoptive parent's attorney of record, an adult adoptee, a DHS representative, or a biological parent under limited circumstances. The OJD provides details on adoption records access.
- Mediation records in domestic relations cases are confidential under Oregon law.
- Paternity judgments may be restricted where disclosure would endanger a child or a party.
For family law filings, the first-appearance fee for dissolution, annulment, or separation cases is $301 (ORS 21.155). Filiation proceedings carry the same $301 fee. The OJD's Guide & File interactive forms system offers free help completing forms for divorce, custody, and other domestic relations matters, though the required filing fee must still be paid when submitting documents to the court.
Dissolution of Marriage Records
If you need copies of divorce records, submit the Records Request Form or visit the Justice Building during business hours. The OJD Online Records Search can help you identify a case number before making a formal request.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses in Jackson County are issued and maintained by the Jackson County Clerk/Recording Office, not the circuit court. The license fee is $63.00 (effective March 16, 2026). Certified or regular copies of a marriage license can be obtained through the County Clerk's Digital Research Room (records from 1985 to present), which allows searching by last name of a spouse, application number, or marriage date. Fees are:
- Certified copy: $7.75 (first), $4.00 each additional same-session copy
- Regular copy: $4.00 (first), $0.25 each additional
For records predating 1985, contact the County Clerk at (541) 774-6153 or jcrecording@jacksoncountyor.gov. Under ORS 432.350, certified copies of marriage records less than 50 years old are available only to eligible parties such as the spouses, their parents, children, or legal representatives.
Jackson County Clerk
Address: 10 South Oakdale Avenue, Room 114, Medford, OR 97501
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates are available from the Jackson County Vital Records office, which provides birth records for up to six months after birth and death records for six months after a death occurs. The fee is $25 per copy. A valid photo ID is required, and order forms are available in both English (birth) and English (death), as well as in Spanish. Under ORS 432.350, birth records are publicly available only after 100 years, and death records after 50 years from the date of the event. For older records, contact the Oregon Vital Records Office.
Jackson County Health & Human Services (Vital Records)
Address: 140 South Holly Street, 1st Floor, Medford, OR 97501
Phone: (541) 774-8000
Fax: (541) 774-8157
Jackson County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Jackson County are adjudicated by the circuit court. These proceedings cover the administration of decedents' estates, validation and interpretation of wills, appointment of personal representatives, and establishment of guardianships and conservatorships for incapacitated adults and minors.
Probate Filing Fees (Effective January 1, 2025)
Fees for petitions to appoint a personal representative depend on the value of the estate:
| Estate Value | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Less than $50,000 | $278 |
| $50,000–$999,999 | $591 |
| $1,000,000–$9,999,999 | $882 |
| $10,000,000 or more | $1,176 |
| Simple estate affidavit | $124 |
Annual or final accounting fees also vary by estate value, starting at $35 for estates under $50,000 and increasing for larger estates. Certified copies of letters testamentary, letters of administration, or letters of conservatorship and guardianship cost $5 plus $0.25 per page for paper copies.
Guardianship and Conservatorship
Petitions for appointment of a guardian carry a $124 filing fee. Conservatorship petitions follow the same tiered structure as probate estate petitions based on estate value. The Jackson County Circuit Court also operates a Court Visitor Program that assists judges in protective proceedings by gathering information about proposed protected persons.
Searching Probate Records
Probate case information can be searched remotely through the OJD Online Records Search at no charge. In-person searches are available at the Justice Building in Medford. To request copies of probate documents, use the circuit court's Records Request Form and pay applicable copy fees. For general probate inquiries, call the Jackson County Circuit Court at (541) 776-7171.
If you're involved in a trust dispute, be aware that specific fees apply to trust-related filings — including $281 for summary determination requests when a trustee disallows a claim, and $281 for trustee petitions to determine creditor claims, as outlined in ORS 21.135 and related statutes. The OJD's statewide forms center offers downloadable probate forms, including petitions for appointment of personal representatives, accountings, and guardianship applications.