Jackson County Court Records Search
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Jackson County, located in southern Oregon and home to more than 200,000 residents, maintains an extensive collection of court records spanning criminal, civil, family, probate, and juvenile matters. The county seat is Medford, where the Jackson County Circuit Court—the primary trial court of general jurisdiction—operates out of the Justice Building. In addition to the circuit court, the county’s judicial system includes a justice court, a juvenile court, and several municipal courts serving incorporated cities. Court records in Jackson County encompass motions, pleadings, judgments, orders, affidavits, audio files, and transcripts generated in the course of legal proceedings.
Residents and members of the public looking for Oregon court case information can access records through a combination of official 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 assist with locating specific filings. For those exploring records across the state, OregonCourts.us may also help identify publicly available court case data.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Jackson County?
There are several practical methods for locating a case filed in a Jackson County court. The approach depends on the type of case, the court that 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 that covers circuit courts statewide, including Jackson County. Users can search by party name or case number to view calendars and basic case information. This tool does not allow downloading or printing of full documents, but it is useful for identifying case numbers and hearing dates.
- OJCIN Online – The Oregon Judicial Case Information Network provides more detailed access to 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 allow users to look up newer, digitized cases at no charge. For older cases that have not been digitized, staff at the Public Room window on the first floor can assist. The 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, requesters should 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. Expect a turnaround time of approximately five business days, 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 is 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, subject to inspection and copying under the Oregon Public Records Law (ORS Chapter 192). Under ORS 192.311, a “public record” includes any writing that contains information related to the conduct of the public’s business, and court files fall within this definition.
However, state law and court rules create several significant exceptions. Certain records—or portions of records—may be withheld or redacted to safeguard privacy, protect vulnerable individuals, or preserve the integrity of ongoing proceedings. Categories of records 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; only available 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 individuals determine whether specific information is publicly 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 maintained at the Jackson County Justice Court. Inquiries can be directed to that court by phone or in person.
- Municipal Court records for violations within Ashland, Medford, Butte Falls, and other incorporated cities are held 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 maintained by the law enforcement agency that made the arrest. For arrests in unincorporated areas of Jackson County or in cities that contract with the Sheriff’s Office, records requests should be directed 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 exercises broad jurisdiction over civil matters, including tort claims, contract disputes, landlord-tenant actions, foreclosures, personal injury cases, and equitable proceedings. Civil court records consist of 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 obtain copies of documents, requesters should submit the Records Request Form and pay applicable copy fees. The OJD Forms Center and Jackson County local forms page provide downloadable forms for various civil proceedings.
Property Records
While not court records per se, property-related 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, while 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 assistance in 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
Copies of divorce records can be obtained through the Records Request Form or by visiting the Justice Building during business hours. The OJD Online Records Search can help 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. Note that 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.
Individuals involved in trust disputes should 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 provides downloadable probate forms, including petitions for appointment of personal representatives, accountings, and guardianship applications.