Josephine County Court Records

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    Josephine County, located in southwestern Oregon with Grants Pass as the county seat, maintains a range of court records through its circuit and municipal courts. The Josephine County Circuit Court, part of Oregon's 14th Judicial District, handles criminal, civil, family, and probate cases. Whether you need a copy of a judgment, want to check a pending case, or require a certified document for an out-of-state filing, knowing how the local court system manages its records will save you real time.

    Residents can search for court records through official court clerk offices, public-access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by the Oregon Judicial Department. The statewide OJD Records and Calendar Search offers free basic case information for all Oregon circuit courts, the Tax Court, the Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court. OregonCourts.us can also help you locate publicly available court case information. For more detailed searches, subscription-based access through OJCIN OnLine provides judgment docket searches and more granular data from all 36 circuit courts.

    How to Look Up a Court Case in Josephine County?

    There are several ways to find a court case in Josephine County. The right method depends on what you need and how quickly you need it.

    Online Search

    The Oregon Judicial Department Online Records Search is a free tool that lets anyone search circuit court case information by party name or case number. You can filter results by case type, party role, and other criteria. This is the fastest way to confirm case status, review party names, or identify a case number before requesting copies.

    For more detailed data — including judgment dockets and financial records — OJCIN OnLine offers a subscription-based service with a setup fee and monthly billing. Contact OJCIN subscriber support at (800) 858-9658 for account information.

    Requesting Copies of Records

    To obtain actual copies of case documents or audio recordings, submit a request through the Oregon Judicial Department Records Request Form. You'll need the case number and either the specific documents or the hearing dates you want copied. Delivery options include email, mail, in-person pickup at the Josephine County Courthouse, or pickup at another Oregon court location.

    Allow five to ten business days for processing. Complex or large requests may take longer. If the court contacts you for additional information or payment and you don't respond within 60 business days, the request will be closed.

    Copy Fees

    Copy TypePaper CostElectronic Cost
    Standard copy$3.00 per request + $0.25/page$3.00 per request
    Certified copy$5.00 + $0.25/page$5.00
    Exemplified copy$10.00 + $0.25/page$10.00
    CD of documents $1.00 + electronic copy costs
    Audio recording (FTR)$10.00 per proceeding$10.00 per proceeding
    MailingActual postage cost 

    Payment must be made in full before the court processes any request. If you can't afford the filing or copy fees, you may apply for a fee deferral or waiver using the packet available on the Fee Deferral and Waiver page.

    In-Person Access

    You can visit the Josephine County Circuit Court Records Department during regular business hours:

    Josephine County Circuit Court
    Address: 500 NW 6th Street, Grants Pass, OR 97526
    Main Entrance: 510 NW 5th Street, Grants Pass, OR 97526
    Phone: (541) 476-2309
    Fax: (541) 471-2079
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

    The courthouse is located on the second floor. All visitors pass through security screening, and weapons — including knives, firearms, and pepper spray — are prohibited.

    Are Court Records Public in Josephine County?

    Oregon's public records law, codified in ORS 192.311 through 192.478, establishes a broad right of public access to government records, including court records. In Josephine County, most case filings, judgments, orders, and docket entries at the circuit court are available for public inspection or copying.

    Certain categories of records are restricted or entirely exempt from public disclosure:

    • Adoption records — Sealed by law. Qualifying individuals may submit a Request for Court Adoption Records to seek access.
    • Juvenile court records — Access follows specific rules outlined in the Juvenile Court Records Access Rules.
    • Mental health adjudication records — Protected from public disclosure.
    • Records covered by the Violence Against Women Act — Federal law prohibits public release.
    • Sealed records — Any case file or document sealed by court order is inaccessible unless the seal is lifted.

    If a record you need falls into a confidential or sealed category, contact the Josephine County Circuit Court at (541) 476-2309 for guidance on eligibility and the process for requesting access. In some situations, you'll need to demonstrate a legal interest and provide identification before any information is released.

    It's also worth knowing that Oregon courts distinguish between viewing records and obtaining copies. Viewing a document at the courthouse may be free, but getting paper or electronic copies triggers the fee schedule above. The OJD public records request information page explains statewide policies for submitting requests to any Oregon court.

    Josephine County Criminal Court Records

    Criminal cases in Josephine County are heard by the Josephine County Circuit Court, covering felony prosecutions, misdemeanors, and violations. Case records typically include charging documents, arraignment information, plea entries, trial records, sentencing orders, and post-conviction filings.

    Searching Criminal Case Records

    Start with the Oregon Judicial Department Online Records Search — enter the defendant's name or case number to pull up case information. For more detailed access, OJCIN OnLine subscribers can search judgment dockets and related financial information.

    To obtain copies of criminal case documents, use the statewide Records Request Form or contact the court directly at (541) 476-2309.

    Criminal History Records Through Oregon State Police

    Court case records and criminal history records are maintained separately. The Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division of the Oregon State Police maintains statewide criminal history data. There are two ways to request this information:

    1. Your own record: Complete the Copy of Own Oregon Record form, include rolled fingerprints, and submit a $33 check or money order payable to Oregon State Police. Mail to:

      Oregon State Police CJIS Division
      Unit 11, P.O. Box 4395
      Portland, OR 97208-4395
      Phone: (503) 378-3070

    2. Another person's record: Complete the Request for Oregon Criminal History Information on Another Individual form and include a $10 check or money order. Mail to the same Portland address (for direct payment customers) or, for billing customers, to:

      Oregon State Police CJIS Division
      Attn: Open Records
      3565 Trelstad Avenue SE
      Salem, OR 97317

    The $33 fee applies even if no record is found, as it covers processing and system maintenance costs.

    Arrest and Custody Information

    The Josephine County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records and current custody data. The Josephine County Jail Inmate Inquiry tool allows online searches by name, subject number, or booking number.

    Josephine County Sheriff's Office
    Address: 1901 NE F Street, Grants Pass, OR 97526
    Phone: (541) 474-5123
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

    The Josephine County District Attorney's Office, located at 500 NW 6th Street, Department 16, Grants Pass, OR 97526, can be reached at (541) 474-5200 for questions about prosecution records or victim assistance.

    Expungement

    If you're looking to seal or set aside a criminal conviction in Josephine County, the court's Expungements page has information and resources on the process.

    Josephine County Civil Court Records

    The Josephine County Circuit Court handles all civil matters in the county, including general civil litigation, contract disputes, personal injury claims, property disputes, landlord-tenant cases, and small claims. Civil case records include complaints, answers, motions, orders, judgments, and satisfaction documents.

    Accessing Civil Records

    Civil case filings can be searched online through the Oregon Judicial Department Online Records Search. To obtain copies, submit a request using the OJD Records Request Form and specify your preferred delivery method — email, mail, in-person pickup, or pickup at another court. The same fee schedule applies: $3.00 for a standard copy request plus $0.25 per page for paper, $5.00 for certified copies, and $10.00 for exemplified copies.

    In-person requests can be made at:

    Josephine County Circuit Court Records Department
    Address: 500 NW 6th Street, Grants Pass, OR 97526
    Phone: (541) 476-2309
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

    Filing Fees

    Under ORS 21.135, the standard filing fee to commence a civil action in an Oregon circuit court is $281. Small claims filing fees are lower and vary based on the amount of the claim. For the full statewide circuit court fee schedule, consult the OJD Court Fees page. If you have questions about a specific filing fee, contact the Josephine County Circuit Court directly.

    Small Claims

    Small claims cases in Josephine County follow the procedures set out in ORS Chapter 46. The court's Civil page provides local guidance on civil and small claims procedures, including filing instructions and hearing schedules.

    Property-Related Records

    Property records often intersect with civil cases, though they aren't court records in the traditional sense. The Josephine County Clerk's Office records deeds, liens, and other instruments. The Digital Research Room provides online access to recorded documents, and property assessment and tax data can be searched through the Josephine County Property Assessment & Tax Data portal.

    Josephine County Clerk's Office
    Address: 500 NW 6th Street, Room 170, Grants Pass, OR 97526
    Mailing Address: P.O. Box 69, Grants Pass, OR 97528
    Phone: (541) 474-5240
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:00–4:00 p.m.

    Josephine County Family Court Records

    Family law matters in Josephine County are handled by the Family Court Division of the Josephine County Circuit Court. This division covers divorce, legal separation, annulment, child custody, parenting time, child support, modification of existing family court orders, and domestic violence protective orders.

    Court Location

    Family Court proceedings take place at a separate entrance from the main courthouse:

    Josephine County Family Court
    Address: 301 NW F Street, Grants Pass, OR 97526
    Phone: (541) 476-2309
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

    Searching and Requesting Family Court Records

    Family case records can be searched through the Oregon Judicial Department Online Records Search, and copies can be requested using the standard Records Request Form. Standard copy fees apply.

    Keep in mind that adoption records and juvenile dependency records are sealed and not available through routine public requests. Requests for sealed adoption records require a qualifying relationship and must be submitted using the Request for Court Adoption Records form.

    Self-Help Resources

    The court strongly encourages parents to reach agreements through mediation before going to trial. Josephine County offers family mediation services for custody and parenting time disputes. The Family Law Facilitator can help self-represented litigants with paperwork for family law matters at no cost. Reach the facilitator at JOS.Family.Court.Facilitator@ojd.state.or.us or by calling (541) 476-2309, ext. 37025.

    Oregon's Guide & File system provides free interactive online forms for divorce, separation, custody, modification of family judgments, and protective orders — the system walks you through questions and generates completed court forms ready to file. The OJD Family Law Forms page also has downloadable forms for divorce, separation, and annulment cases.

    Marriage and Divorce Certificates

    Marriage licenses and records are maintained by the Josephine County Clerk at 500 NW 6th Street, Room 170, Grants Pass, OR 97526; Phone: (541) 474-5240 Certified copies of marriage and divorce certificates are also available through the Oregon Vital Records Office of the Oregon Health Authority. Only eligible individuals may obtain certified vital records. Walk-in requests at the Portland office require a scheduled appointment and cost $28 for the first copy and $25 for each additional copy.

    Birth and Death Records

    Birth and death certificates are not court records, but they're often needed alongside family court filings. These are available exclusively through the Oregon Vital Records Office. The fee is $25 per copy by mail, or $28 for the first walk-in copy and $25 for additional copies ordered at the same time. Requests require a completed order form, valid identification, and proof of eligibility.

    Josephine County Probate Court Records

    Probate cases in Josephine County are administered by the Josephine County Circuit Court. These matters include the administration of decedents' estates, validation of wills, appointment of personal representatives, distribution of assets, settlement of debts, and the establishment of guardianships and conservatorships.

    Searching Probate Records

    Start with the Oregon Judicial Department Online Records Search — enter the decedent's name, the personal representative's name, or the case number to find relevant case information. Results will show the case type, status, and parties involved.

    Requesting Copies

    To obtain copies of probate documents — such as wills, letters testamentary, inventories, final accountings, or small estate affidavits — submit a request through the OJD Records Request Form. Specify whether you need standard, certified, or exemplified copies.

    Certified paper copies of probate documents — particularly fiduciary letters and small estate affidavits used to administer estates — are often required by banks, title companies, and government agencies. If a third party requires a raised seal rather than a digital certification, request the paper certified version rather than an emailed copy.

    The standard fee schedule applies:

    • Standard copy: $3.00 per request + $0.25 per page (paper) or $3.00 per request (electronic)
    • Certified copy: $5.00 + $0.25 per page (paper) or $5.00 (electronic)
    • Exemplified copy: $10.00 + $0.25 per page (paper) or $10.00 (electronic)

    Contact for Probate Inquiries

    For questions about probate case records, document availability, or the status of an estate proceeding, contact the Josephine County Circuit Court Records Department at (541) 476-2309. The court's mailing address for probate correspondence is:

    Josephine County Circuit Court
    Department 17
    500 NW 6th Street
    Grants Pass, OR 97526-1975

    Municipal Court

    Josephine County also has one municipal court, which handles city ordinance violations and certain traffic offenses within Cave Junction city limits:

    Cave Junction Municipal Court
    Address: 222 West Lister Street, P.O. Box 1396, Cave Junction, OR 97523
    Phone: (541) 592-2156
    Hours: 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
    Court Sessions: Third Wednesday of March, June, September, and December at 6:00 p.m.

    Municipal court records are maintained separately from circuit court records and must be requested directly from the Cave Junction Municipal Court.