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Washington County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Washington County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Washington County, Oregon, may access publicly available information through official government portals and third-party directories such as WashingtonORRecords.us. Arrest records in Washington County may include booking details, charges filed, custody status, mugshots, and bond information. The availability and completeness of records varies by agency, record age, and whether the record has been sealed or expunged.

Records can be searched through official resources including the Washington County Sheriff's Office online custody portal, the 24-hour arrest and release log, in-person visits to the Criminal Records Section, public access terminals at the courthouse, and the Oregon State Police criminal history repository. The following sections detail each available method.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Washington County Sheriff's Office maintains an online portal where members of the public may search current custody information and recent arrest activity. The custody and releases page provides access to the jail roster and the 24-hour arrest and release log.

  • The Who is in Custody tool allows searches by name to identify individuals currently held at the Washington County Jail
  • The 24-Hour Arrest and Release Log displays recent bookings and releases, updated on a rolling basis
  • Available information includes full name, booking number, charges, arresting agency, and custody status
  • The roster reflects real-time or near-real-time data for active detainees

2. Local Police Departments

Several incorporated cities within Washington County maintain their own police departments, each of which may publish arrest logs or press releases containing arrest information.

  • The Beaverton Police Department publishes press releases and crime information through its official website at beavertonoregon.gov
  • The Hillsboro Police Department, the largest municipal agency in the county, provides public information through its communications office
  • Tigard, Tualatin, Sherwood, and Forest Grove police departments each handle records requests independently
  • Press releases containing arrest information are a common public-facing disclosure method for notable arrests

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Arrest records are frequently linked to court case filings, which are searchable through the Oregon Judicial Department's online case information system.

  • The Oregon eCourt Case Information (OECI) system allows name-based searches for criminal case filings in Washington County Circuit Court
  • Searching by an arrestee's name may return associated criminal case numbers, charge descriptions, hearing dates, and case dispositions
  • Court records reflect proceedings that follow an arrest and are maintained by the Washington County Circuit Court Clerk

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Oregon State Police maintains a statewide criminal history repository accessible to members of the public for name-based record checks.

  • The Oregon State Police public records request page outlines the process for requesting criminal history information
  • Oregon law permits individuals to request their own criminal history record; third-party requests are subject to additional restrictions under ORS § 181A.195
  • Fees apply for criminal history record checks; the current standard fee for a name-based check is $10.00 per request
  • Records include arrests from all Oregon jurisdictions that have submitted data to the state repository

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Washington County Sheriff's Office – Criminal Records Section
215 SW Adams Ave, MS 32
Hillsboro, OR 97123
Phone: (503) 846-2700
Public Records and Documents

  • The Criminal Records Section is the designated point of contact for all Sheriff's Office records requests
  • Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (excluding holidays)
  • Valid government-issued photo identification is required
  • Requestors should provide the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date or booking number when known
  • Copy fees apply per page; the standard fee is $0.25 per page for standard copies

Police Departments:

Hillsboro Police Department
250 SE 10th Ave
Hillsboro, OR 97123
Phone: (503) 681-6190
Hillsboro Police Department

Beaverton Police Department
4755 SW Griffith Dr
Beaverton, OR 97005
Phone: (503) 526-2260
Beaverton Police Department

Records requests at municipal police departments follow procedures similar to those at the Sheriff's Office. Requestors must submit a written request identifying the subject and the nature of the records sought. Fees for copies are set by each department consistent with Oregon public records law.

Clerk of Court:

Washington County Circuit Court – Clerk's Office
145 NE 2nd Ave
Hillsboro, OR 97124
Phone: (503) 846-8888
Washington County Circuit Court

  • Criminal case files are available for public inspection during regular business hours
  • Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Copy fees are $0.25 per page for standard copies; certified copies carry an additional certification fee
  • Case files may be inspected at public access terminals within the courthouse

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted by mail to the Washington County Sheriff's Office Criminal Records Section at 215 SW Adams Ave, MS 32, Hillsboro, OR 97123. Requests should include the following:

  • Full legal name of the subject (first and last name at minimum)
  • Date of birth or approximate age
  • Date of arrest, if known
  • Booking number, if known
  • Requestor's full name, mailing address, and contact telephone number
  • Payment for applicable copy fees (check or money order payable to Washington County Sheriff's Office)

Processing time for mailed requests is subject to the statutory response period under ORS § 192.329, which requires agencies to acknowledge requests within five business days and fulfill them within a reasonable time.

By Phone:

  • Washington County Sheriff's Office: (503) 846-2700
  • Inmate information line: (503) 846-2665
  • Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
  • Telephone inquiries provide limited information; staff may direct callers to the online custody portal or advise an in-person visit for detailed records

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request records through formal discovery processes in pending criminal proceedings. Subpoenas directed to the custodian of records compel production of documents not otherwise available through routine public access. Detailed investigative files, witness statements, and evidence inventories are accessible through these legal mechanisms.

Information Needed for Search:

  • Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
  • Date of birth or approximate age
  • Approximate date of arrest
  • Booking number, if known
  • Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, specific city police department, or state agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Washington County

Arrest records in Washington County are public records under Oregon law. Oregon's Public Records Law, codified at ORS § 192.311 et seq., establishes a presumption of public access to government-held records, including those maintained by law enforcement agencies. Arrest records are disclosed in the interest of government transparency, public safety, community awareness, journalistic inquiry, background screening, and legal proceedings.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

  • Arrestee name and known aliases
  • Date and time of arrest
  • Location of arrest
  • Arresting agency
  • Charges filed at the time of arrest
  • Booking number
  • Mugshot/booking photograph
  • Bond or bail amount and type
  • Current custody status
  • Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

  • Juvenile arrest records are restricted under Oregon law and are not available to the general public
  • Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
  • Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
  • Information pertaining to active investigations may be withheld to protect investigative integrity
  • Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
  • Confidential informant information is protected
  • Victim identifying information is restricted in certain offense categories
  • Participants in witness protection programs are not identified in public records

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

Oregon's public records framework reflects a balance between the constitutional guarantee of open government and individual privacy interests. The Oregon Constitution, Article I, Section 8, protects freedom of expression and press access to government proceedings. Due process considerations under the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution inform the procedures governing record sealing and expungement. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest record does not establish guilt.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

  • Members of the general public
  • Media organizations and journalists
  • Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
  • Landlords, subject to applicable housing discrimination laws
  • Licensing agencies conducting fitness determinations
  • Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance obligations
  • Attorneys and legal professionals
  • Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The FCRA governs the use of arrest records in employment and tenant screening contexts. Employers using consumer reporting agencies to obtain background checks must comply with FCRA notice and authorization requirements. Oregon has enacted additional protections limiting the use of arrest records that did not result in conviction in certain employment decisions. The distinction between an arrest record and a conviction record is material in all screening contexts.

What's in Washington County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

  • Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" designations
  • Date of birth and age at time of arrest
  • Sex and gender
  • Race and ethnicity
  • Height and weight
  • Eye color and hair color
  • Identifying marks including scars and tattoos
  • Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)

Arrest Details:

  • Date and time of arrest
  • Location of arrest by street address or general area
  • Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, municipal police department, Oregon State Police, or other)
  • Arresting officer name and badge number, where disclosed
  • Booking date and time
  • Booking number or arrest number
  • Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

  • Specific criminal charges as filed
  • Oregon Revised Statutes section numbers violated
  • Charge descriptions in plain language
  • Classification by felony degree or misdemeanor class
  • Number of counts per charge
  • Domestic violence designation, where applicable
  • Gang-related designation, where applicable

Booking Information:

  • Name and location of booking facility
  • Intake process timestamp
  • Booking photograph (mugshot)
  • Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public-facing records
  • Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

  • Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
  • Bond amount as set by the court
  • Bond type:
    • Cash bond
    • Surety bond
    • Personal recognizance (PR bond)
    • No bond/held without bail
  • Release date and time, if the individual has been released
  • Release conditions, where publicly disclosed

Court Information:

  • Court case number assigned following charging
  • Court jurisdiction (Washington County Circuit Court)
  • Scheduled arraignment date
  • Court location
  • Judge assignment, where available

Prior Arrest History (may be included):

  • Previous arrests recorded within the county
  • Historical booking numbers
  • Prior charges
  • Prior arrest history is not always included in a current arrest record and may require a separate records request

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

  • Detailed narrative of the arrest as contained in the police report
  • Witness statements
  • Victim identifying information
  • Evidence collected at the scene
  • Investigative techniques and methods
  • Medical information
  • Mental health status
  • Substance abuse information
  • Full residential address or personal telephone number
  • Social Security number (redacted by law)
  • Financial account information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

  • Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives, witness accounts, and officer observations not included in the booking record
  • Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after arrest, including hearings, motions, and dispositions
  • Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed following adjudication
  • Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including arrest records, court records, and conviction histories

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Washington County?

The Washington County Sheriff's Office and other county agencies charge fees for copies of public records consistent with Oregon's public records fee framework. Under Oregon law, agencies may charge fees that reflect the actual cost of making records available.

Record TypeFee
Standard paper copies$0.25 per page
Certified copies (Circuit Court)$0.25 per page + certification fee
Criminal history check (Oregon State Police)$10.00 per request (name-based)
Electronic records (where available)Varies by agency
Search/staff time feeActual cost for extensive requests
  • Inspection of records at a public access terminal is available at no charge in most cases
  • Agencies may charge for staff time required to locate, compile, and redact records when the request requires more than a minimal effort
  • Payment methods accepted at the Sheriff's Office include cash, check, and money order; credit card acceptance varies by office
  • Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests determined to be in the public interest; requestors must submit a written waiver request with supporting documentation
  • The Oregon State Police charges $10.00 for a name-based criminal history check submitted by an individual requesting their own record; fees for authorized third-party checks differ
  • Court copy fees are set by the Oregon Judicial Department and are uniform across circuit courts statewide

Members of the public may inspect records at no cost during regular business hours at the Sheriff's Office Criminal Records Section or at the Washington County Circuit Court Clerk's Office. Fees apply only when copies are requested.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Washington County

Oregon law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement (referred to in Oregon statutes as "set-aside") and sealing. Expungement under ORS § 137.225 results in the setting aside of a conviction or arrest record, effectively removing it from public access and allowing the individual to legally state that the arrest or conviction did not occur for most purposes. Sealing restricts access to a record without destroying it, leaving the record available to law enforcement and certain authorized agencies.

Eligibility for Set-Aside (Expungement):

  • Arrests that did not result in conviction (charges dismissed, acquittal, or no charges filed) are eligible for set-aside after a waiting period
  • Certain misdemeanor convictions are eligible for set-aside three years after the date of conviction or release from custody, whichever is later
  • Certain Class C felony convictions may be eligible for set-aside after a longer waiting period
  • Convictions for sex offenses, most violent felonies, and certain other serious offenses are not eligible for set-aside under Oregon law
  • The individual must not have been convicted of any other offense during the waiting period

Steps to Petition for Set-Aside:

  1. Obtain a copy of the arrest record or court case from the Washington County Circuit Court Clerk's Office to confirm the case details
  2. Complete the Motion and Order for Set-Aside form, available from the Oregon Judicial Department
  3. File the completed motion with the Washington County Circuit Court Clerk at 145 NE 2nd Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97124
  4. Pay the applicable filing fee (currently $281.00 for most set-aside petitions; fee waivers are available for qualifying individuals)
  5. Serve a copy of the motion on the Washington County District Attorney's Office
  6. Attend the scheduled hearing if the District Attorney objects to the set-aside
  7. If the court grants the motion, the order is transmitted to the Oregon State Police, which updates the state criminal history repository

Washington County District Attorney's Office
150 N First Ave, Suite 300
Hillsboro, OR 97124
Phone: (503) 846-8671
Washington County District Attorney

Washington County Circuit Court – Clerk's Office
145 NE 2nd Ave
Hillsboro, OR 97124
Phone: (503) 846-8888
Washington County Circuit Court

Oregon Public Defense Commission (Public Defender)
1175 Court St NE
Salem, OR 97301
Phone: (503) 378-3349
Oregon Public Defense Commission

Individuals who cannot afford an attorney may seek assistance from a legal aid organization or the Oregon State Bar's lawyer referral service. The Oregon State Bar maintains a referral program at osbar.org.

What Happens After Arrest in Washington County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Washington County Jail, the county's primary detention facility operated by the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

Washington County Jail
215 SW Adams Ave
Hillsboro, OR 97123
Phone: (503) 846-2665
Custody and Releases

Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene while the arresting officer completes initial documentation.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Washington County Jail, the individual undergoes the booking process, which takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume. The booking process includes:

  • Recording of personal identifying information
  • Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously given
  • Booking photograph (mugshot)
  • Fingerprint collection and submission to state and federal databases
  • Criminal history and outstanding warrant check
  • Inventory and storage of personal property
  • Exchange of personal clothing for jail-issued clothing
  • Medical screening
  • Brief mental health screening
  • Housing classification determination

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Oregon law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate or judge within 36 hours of arrest, excluding weekends and holidays, for an initial appearance. At this hearing:

  • The individual is formally notified of the charges
  • The right to appointed counsel is addressed for those who qualify
  • Bond or bail is determined
  • The individual is advised of their rights
  • Hearings may be conducted via video conference from the jail

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

  • The full bond amount must be paid in cash or certified funds
  • The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus any applicable fees
  • The bond amount is set by the magistrate or judge at the initial appearance or pursuant to a bond schedule

Surety Bond:

  • A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount on behalf of the defendant
  • The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, which is set by Oregon law at a maximum of 10% of the bond amount
  • The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

  • The individual is released on a written promise to appear at all future court dates
  • No monetary payment is required
  • Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk

No Bond:

  • The individual is held without the possibility of release on bond
  • Circumstances include serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

Release on bond may be subject to conditions including:

  • Regular check-in with pretrial services
  • Travel restrictions
  • No-contact orders protecting named individuals
  • Drug and alcohol testing
  • GPS monitoring
  • Pretrial supervision by Washington County Community Corrections

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted:

  • Processing for release takes approximately one to eight hours after bond is posted
  • Personal property is returned upon release
  • The individual receives written notice of all upcoming court dates
  • Written conditions of release are provided and must be signed
  • Failure to appear at any court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant

If Bond Is Not Posted:

  • The individual remains in custody at the Washington County Jail
  • A housing assignment is made following classification
  • Inmate orientation covers facility rules, commissary account setup, telephone privileges, and visitation schedules

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel and face charges that may result in incarceration are entitled to appointed counsel. Eligibility is determined based on income. The Washington County Circuit Court administers the appointment process at the initial appearance.

Washington County Circuit Court – Public Defender Appointments
145 NE 2nd Ave
Hillsboro, OR 97124
Phone: (503) 846-8888
Washington County Circuit Court

Private Attorney:

Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Oregon State Bar's lawyer referral service connects individuals with licensed attorneys. Private attorneys may visit clients at the Washington County Jail; consultations are confidential.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Washington County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. This review occurs within days of the arrest. The District Attorney may:

  • File formal charges by Information
  • Request additional investigation before making a charging decision
  • Decline to prosecute and dismiss the matter
  • File different or additional charges beyond those listed at booking

Grand Jury:

For Class A and Class B felony charges, Oregon law requires presentment to a grand jury, which determines whether probable cause exists to proceed. Grand jury proceedings are not open to the public, and the defense is not present.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea. The arraignment occurs within a reasonable time following the filing of charges. Available pleas include:

  • Not guilty
  • Guilty
  • No contest (nolo contendere)

The majority of defendants enter a not-guilty plea at arraignment, and the case proceeds to pretrial proceedings.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio and video recordings.

Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Hearings are scheduled by the court.

Pretrial conferences bring the attorneys and judge together to assess case status, discuss resolution, and address scheduling.

Plea negotiations may result in an offer from the District Attorney to resolve the case short of trial through a reduced charge or agreed sentencing recommendation.

Case Resolution Options:

  • Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects; a dismissed case may be eligible for set-aside
  • Diversion programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal of charges
  • Plea agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no-contest plea to agreed charges with a negotiated sentencing recommendation
  • Trial: The case proceeds to a jury trial or bench trial; the prosecution bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt

Sentencing (if convicted):

The sentencing judge may impose:

  • Incarceration in jail or prison
  • Probation with conditions
  • Fines and court costs
  • Restitution to victims
  • Community service
  • Mandatory treatment programs
  • A combination of the above

Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

StageTimeframe
Arrest to first appearanceWithin 36 hours (excluding weekends/holidays)
First appearance to arraignmentDays to weeks
Arraignment to resolutionMonths; varies by complexity
Misdemeanor casesResolved within 3–6 months on average
Felony casesResolved within 6–18 months on average
Right to speedy trialOregon Constitution, Article I, Section 10

Rights Throughout the Process:

  • Right to remain silent
  • Right to counsel
  • Right to a speedy trial
  • Right to confront and cross-examine witnesses
  • Right to present a defense
  • Right against self-incrimination
  • Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Washington County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
215 SW Adams Ave
Hillsboro, OR 97123
Phone: (503) 846-2700
Inmate Information: (503) 846-2665
Washington County Sheriff's Office

Washington County Circuit Court – Clerk's Office
145 NE 2nd Ave
Hillsboro, OR 97124
Phone: (503) 846-8888
Washington County Circuit Court

Washington County District Attorney's Office
150 N First Ave, Suite 300
Hillsboro, OR 97124
Phone: (503) 846-8671
Washington County District Attorney

Washington County Community Corrections (Pretrial Services)
146 NE Lincoln St
Hillsboro, OR 97124
Phone: (503) 846-3456
Washington County Community Corrections

What to Do If You're Arrested:

  1. Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
  2. Do not physically resist arrest
  3. Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
  4. Request an attorney immediately and do not discuss the case until counsel is present
  5. Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or anyone other than your attorney
  6. Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
  7. Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
  8. Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Washington County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Washington County is governed by Oregon's public records retention schedules, established under the authority of the Oregon State Archives and applicable agency policies. Records retention periods vary based on the type of record, the agency maintaining it, and the disposition of the underlying case.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

  • Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Washington County Circuit Court, the Oregon State Police criminal history repository, and the FBI's Interstate Identification Index
  • Felony conviction records are maintained indefinitely and are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC)

Misdemeanor Convictions:

  • Retained permanently by the Oregon State Police criminal history repository
  • Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of 10 years; many agencies retain them permanently in digital systems
  • Court records for misdemeanor convictions are retained permanently in the Oregon eCourt system

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

  • Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of five years
  • Court records are retained permanently in the electronic case management system
  • Records remain in the state repository unless the subject successfully petitions for set-aside under ORS § 137.225
  • Dismissed arrest records may remain accessible to the public unless expunged

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

  • Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of five years
  • Court records are retained permanently
  • The state repository retains the arrest record with a notation of acquittal unless set-aside is granted

Charges Not Filed:

  • Booking records are retained for a minimum of three years
  • Local arrest logs are retained for a minimum of one year
  • These records are among the most eligible for immediate set-aside petition

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):

  • Law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of three to five years
  • These records are frequently eligible for set-aside

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

  • Booking paperwork: Minimum five years
  • Fingerprint cards: Retained until superseded by digital records; digital fingerprints are retained permanently
  • Photographs: Retained consistent with the underlying record's retention schedule

Digital Records:

  • Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Minimum two years
  • Records management system entries: Often retained permanently
  • Mugshot databases: Retained consistent with the underlying booking record
  • Court electronic records: Retained permanently in the Oregon eCourt system

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention schedules as government agencies. These entities are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update their records when a set-aside is granted. The FCRA requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain reasonable procedures to ensure the accuracy of reported information.

Retention by Agency:

Washington County Sheriff's Office
215 SW Adams Ave
Hillsboro, OR 97123
Phone: (503) 846-2700
Public Records and Documents

  • Booking records: Minimum five years; many retained permanently in digital systems
  • Arrest reports: Minimum five years
  • Investigative files: Minimum five years; longer for serious offenses

Washington County Circuit Court – Clerk's Office
145 NE 2nd Ave
Hillsboro, OR 97124
Phone: (503) 846-8888
Washington County Circuit Court

  • Felony case files: Permanent
  • Misdemeanor case files: Permanent in electronic system
  • Traffic infraction records: Minimum three years

Oregon State Police – Criminal History Repository
3565 Trelstad Ave SE
Salem, OR 97317
Phone: (503) 378-3070
Oregon State Police Public Records

  • The Oregon State Police maintains the statewide criminal history repository, which includes arrests submitted by all Oregon law enforcement agencies
  • Retention policy: Permanent for conviction records; arrest-only records retained until set-aside is granted or the subject reaches age 100

FBI Database:

  • The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records of arrests submitted by participating agencies
  • Federal retention is permanent for most records
  • These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance, firearms purchases, and other federally regulated activities

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

DispositionPublic RetentionRemoval Mechanism
ConvictionPermanentNot eligible for removal in most cases
DismissalMinimum 5 yearsSet-aside petition under ORS § 137.225
AcquittalMinimum 5 yearsSet-aside petition
No charges filedMinimum 3 yearsSet-aside petition; may be automatic in some cases
Expungement grantedRemoved from public accessCourt order transmitted to OSP and local agencies

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests (within the past 1–2 years):

  • Available online through the Sheriff's Office custody portal and the 24-hour arrest and release log
  • Updated in real time or on a daily basis

Older Arrests (3–10 years ago):

  • May require an in-person records request at the Sheriff's Office Criminal Records Section
  • Records are retrievable from the records management system
  • Standard copy fees apply

Very Old Arrests (10+ years ago):

  • Records may not be available in digital format
  • Paper records may be stored in archives
  • Records destroyed pursuant to the retention schedule are no longer available
  • Contact the Sheriff's Office Criminal Records Section at (503) 846-2700 to inquire about availability

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction of records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court order granting set-aside, or pursuant to the agency's records