Lane County Court Records

What Is Lane County Court Records

Court records in Lane County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records consist of various documents maintained by the Lane County Circuit Court and other judicial bodies operating within the jurisdiction. Pursuant to Oregon Revised Statutes § 192.311, court records are defined as information relating to the conduct of the public's business that is prepared, owned, used, or retained by a public body.

Lane County court records typically include:

• Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
• Docket sheets listing chronological case events
• Judicial orders and final judgments
• Hearing and trial transcripts
• Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
• Sentencing and disposition records in criminal matters
• Marriage and divorce decrees
• Probate filings and estate settlements

These records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics, and tax assessments, which are maintained by separate county departments rather than the court system.

The following courts maintain records within Lane County:

• Lane County Circuit Court (general jurisdiction)
• Lane County Justice Court (limited jurisdiction)
• Municipal Courts (Eugene, Springfield, etc.)
• Oregon Tax Court (specialized jurisdiction)
• Oregon Court of Appeals (appellate jurisdiction)
• Oregon Supreme Court (final appellate jurisdiction)

Court records encompass documentation from civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate proceedings, traffic violations, small claims disputes, and juvenile cases, though access to juvenile records is often restricted under ORS § 419A.255.

Are Court Records Public In Lane County

Court records in Lane County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Oregon's Public Records Law (ORS § 192.311-192.478) and the state's commitment to open courts as established in Article I, Section 10 of the Oregon Constitution, which states "No court shall be secret, but justice shall be administered, openly and without purchase."

The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

• Civil case files (with limited exceptions)
• Criminal case files (post-charging)
• Judgments and court orders
• Docket sheets and case indices
• Court calendars and hearing schedules
• Marriage and divorce records
• Probate proceedings

However, certain records may be restricted or sealed pursuant to state law, court rules, or judicial order. The Oregon Judicial Department maintains specific policies regarding public access to court records, with restrictions typically applying to:

• Juvenile dependency and delinquency proceedings
• Adoption records
• Mental health commitment proceedings
• Certain family law matters involving children
• Cases sealed by judicial order
• Records containing sensitive personal information

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon are governed by federal access rules rather than state provisions. The Oregon Uniform Trial Court Rules (UTCR) and Supplementary Local Rules (SLR) provide additional guidance on record access policies within Lane County courts.

How To Find Court Records in Lane County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Lane County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The Oregon Judicial Department currently provides multiple pathways for obtaining court records:

1. Online Access

   • Visit the Oregon Judicial Department's records portal to search for case information
   • Register for an account with Oregon eCourt Case Information (OECI) to view additional case details
   • Search the Oregon eCourt Circuit Court Calendars for upcoming hearings

2. In-Person Requests

   • Visit the Lane County Circuit Court Records Department during business hours:

   Lane County Circuit Court
   125 E 8th Ave
   Eugene, OR 97401
   541-682-4020
   Lane County Circuit Court

   • Complete a records request form at the public counter
   • Provide case number or party names for more efficient searching
   • Pay applicable copy fees ($0.25 per page for standard copies)

3. Written Requests

   • Submit a completed Records Request Form
   • Include payment for estimated copy fees
   • Provide return address or email for delivery of records
   • Mail requests to the court address listed above

4. Electronic Requests

   • Email completed request forms to LANCopyRequest@ojd.state.or.us
   • Include case number, party names, and specific documents needed
   • Provide contact information for follow-up questions

For certified copies of court documents, requestors must specify this requirement when making their request and pay additional certification fees. Pursuant to ORS § 21.345, the court charges statutory fees for document certification.

How To Look Up Court Records in Lane County Online?

Lane County residents and interested parties may access court records through several online platforms maintained by the Oregon Judicial Department. The following digital resources are available for conducting court record searches:

1. Oregon eCourt Case Information (OECI)

   • Navigate to Oregon Judicial Department's Find a Case page
   • Select "Oregon eCourt Case Information" from the available options
   • Create a subscriber account for full access or use limited guest access
   • Search by case number, party name, attorney, or date range
   • View case registers, scheduled hearings, and judgment information
   • Download publicly available documents for a fee

2. Oregon eCourt Circuit Court Calendars

   • Access the public calendar search portal
   • Select Lane County from the jurisdiction dropdown
   • Search by date, judge, attorney, or case type
   • View upcoming hearing schedules and case status information
   • No registration required for basic calendar information

3. Appellate Case Management System (ACMS)

   • For cases on appeal to the Oregon Court of Appeals or Supreme Court
   • Access through the Oregon Judicial Department website
   • Search by case number, party name, or attorney
   • View briefs, opinions, and appellate case status

4. Oregon Judicial Department Records Request Portal

   • Submit electronic requests for records not available through other online systems
   • Complete the online records request form
   • Provide detailed case information to facilitate search
   • Pay applicable fees for document retrieval and copying

When searching online, users should note that certain case types may have restricted access pursuant to state law and court rules. Additionally, older cases that have not been digitized may require in-person requests at the courthouse. The Oregon Judicial Department maintains specific access policies regarding which records are available through each online system.

How To Search Lane County Court Records for Free?

Lane County provides several options for members of the public to access court records without incurring fees, in accordance with Oregon's commitment to transparent judicial proceedings. Pursuant to ORS § 192.324, the public has the right to inspect public records during regular business hours at no cost, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents.

Free access options include:

1. In-Person Inspection

   • Visit the Lane County Circuit Court during public counter hours:

   Lane County Circuit Court
   125 E 8th Ave
   Eugene, OR 97401
   541-682-4020
   Lane County Circuit Court

   • Request to view specific case files at the public access terminals
   • No fee is charged for viewing records on-site
   • Court staff will retrieve physical files not available electronically
   • Public counter hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)

2. Free Online Resources

   • Oregon eCourt Circuit Court Calendars - Free access to basic case information and hearing schedules
   • Guest access to Oregon eCourt Case Information (OECI) - Limited free searches without subscription
   • Oregon Judicial Department website - Free access to court information and self-help resources

3. Public Access Terminals

   • Computer terminals available at the Lane County Law Library:

   Lane County Law Library
   125 E 8th Ave, Room 451
   Eugene, OR 97401
   541-682-4337
   Lane County Law Library

   • Free access to court records databases
   • Staff assistance available for research questions
   • No charge for viewing records (printing fees may apply)

While inspection of records is free, the court does charge statutory fees for copies, certified documents, and document retrieval services for older cases. Fee waivers may be available for qualifying individuals under certain circumstances as provided in ORS § 21.682.

What's Included in a Lane County Court Record?

Lane County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type. A typical court record file includes the following components:

Civil Case Records:

• Complaint or petition initiating the case
• Summons and proof of service documents
• Answers and counterclaims from responding parties
• Motions filed throughout the proceedings
• Court orders and rulings on motions
• Exhibits and evidence admitted during hearings
• Transcripts of proceedings (when prepared)
• Final judgment or dismissal order
• Post-judgment filings and satisfaction documents

Criminal Case Records:

• Charging documents (indictment, information, or complaint)
• Arraignment and plea information
• Bail and release documents
• Pre-trial motions and rulings
• Discovery disclosures (limited public access)
• Trial exhibits and evidence
• Verdict forms or plea agreements
• Sentencing orders and judgments
• Probation reports (often confidential)
• Post-conviction relief filings

Family Law Records:

• Petition for dissolution or legal separation
• Parenting plans and custody agreements
• Child support worksheets and orders
• Financial disclosure statements (limited access)
• Temporary orders during proceedings
• Mediation agreements
• Final dissolution judgments
• Modification requests and orders

Probate Records:

• Will (if testate) or intestate proceeding documents
• Inventory of estate assets
• Claims against the estate
• Personal representative appointments
• Notices to creditors and heirs
• Distribution plans
• Final accountings
• Estate closing documents

Each court record also contains a register of actions (docket sheet) that chronologically lists all events in the case, including filings, hearings, and judicial actions. Case metadata typically includes filing date, case number, party names, attorney information, and assigned judge.

Certain sensitive information may be redacted or filed under seal pursuant to Oregon Uniform Trial Court Rule 2.100, which protects personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers, financial account information, and certain personal data.

How Long Does Lane County Keep Court Records?

Lane County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Oregon Judicial Department and governed by ORS § 7.120, which authorizes the State Court Administrator to establish records retention policies. The retention periods vary based on case type, significance, and statutory requirements.

Standard retention periods for major case categories include:

Criminal Cases:

• Felony cases: 75 years from date of final disposition
• Misdemeanor cases: 25 years from date of final disposition
• Violation cases: 10 years from date of final disposition
• Capital punishment cases: Permanent retention

Civil Cases:

• General civil litigation: 10 years after final judgment
• Domestic relations cases: 30-75 years depending on type
• Probate cases: 10 years after estate closing
• Guardianship/conservatorship: 10 years after termination
• Small claims: 10 years after final disposition

Other Case Types:

• Juvenile dependency: Until child reaches age 25, then destroyed
• Juvenile delinquency: Until child reaches age 25, then destroyed
• Mental commitment proceedings: 75 years
• Adoption records: Permanent retention

The Oregon Judicial Department's Records Management Program oversees the implementation of these retention schedules. After the retention period expires, records may be:

1. Destroyed in accordance with secure destruction protocols
2. Transferred to the State Archives for historical cases
3. Microfilmed or digitized for permanent storage while physical copies are destroyed

Certain historically significant cases may be preserved permanently regardless of standard retention schedules. Additionally, the retention of digital records follows the same schedules as paper records, though the storage medium differs.

Parties seeking access to older records should be aware that retrieval may take longer, and in some cases, records may have been destroyed in accordance with retention schedules. The court maintains a permanent index of cases even after the destruction of the full case file.

Types of Courts In Lane County

Lane County's judicial system consists of several courts operating at different levels of jurisdiction. Each court handles specific types of cases as defined by Oregon law:

Lane County Circuit Court
125 E 8th Ave
Eugene, OR 97401
541-682-4020
Lane County Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Circuit Court is Oregon's trial court of general jurisdiction, handling felony criminal cases, civil cases over $10,000, domestic relations matters, probate, mental commitments, and juvenile cases. Lane County Circuit Court has multiple departments:

• Criminal Court
• Civil Court
• Family Court
• Probate Court
• Juvenile Court

Lane County Justice Court
125 E 8th Ave
Eugene, OR 97401
541-682-4020
Lane County Justice Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Justice Court handles minor offenses including traffic violations, small claims (under $10,000), landlord-tenant disputes, and certain misdemeanors.

Municipal Courts

Eugene Municipal Court
1102 Lincoln St
Eugene, OR 97401
541-682-5400
Eugene Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Springfield Municipal Court
225 Fifth St
Springfield, OR 97477
541-726-3753
Springfield Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Municipal courts handle city ordinance violations, traffic cases, and certain misdemeanors occurring within city limits.

Oregon Tax Court
1163 State St
Salem, OR 97301
503-986-5645
Oregon Tax Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Tax Court has exclusive jurisdiction over tax-related cases statewide.

Oregon Court of Appeals
1163 State St
Salem, OR 97301
503-986-5555
Oregon Court of Appeals
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Court of Appeals hears appeals from Circuit Court decisions and certain administrative agency orders.

Oregon Supreme Court
1163 State St
Salem, OR 97301
503-986-5555
Oregon Supreme Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Supreme Court is Oregon's highest court, hearing appeals from the Court of Appeals and direct appeals in certain cases including death penalty cases.

The court hierarchy in Oregon follows this progression: Municipal/Justice Courts → Circuit Court → Court of Appeals → Supreme Court, with each higher level reviewing decisions from the courts below.

What Types of Cases Do Lane County Courts Hear?

Lane County's court system adjudicates a diverse range of legal matters, with each court handling specific case types as defined by Oregon statutes. The following breakdown details the types of cases heard by each court in the county:

Lane County Circuit Court:

• Felony criminal prosecutions (Class A, B, C felonies)
• Civil litigation with claims exceeding $10,000
• Domestic relations matters (divorce, custody, support)
• Probate proceedings and estate administration
• Guardianships and conservatorships
• Juvenile dependency and delinquency cases
• Mental health commitment proceedings
• Adoption proceedings
• Property disputes and foreclosures
• Appeals from lower courts (Justice and Municipal)
• Stalking protective orders
• Name changes and other special proceedings

Lane County Justice Court:

• Traffic violations and infractions
• Small claims disputes (up to $10,000)
• Certain misdemeanor criminal cases
• Violations of county ordinances
• Landlord-tenant disputes and eviction proceedings
• Dog control violations
• Fish and wildlife violations

Municipal Courts (Eugene, Springfield, etc.):

• City ordinance violations
• Traffic citations issued within city limits
• Parking violations
• Minor misdemeanors occurring within city boundaries
• Nuisance abatement cases
• City code enforcement matters

Oregon Tax Court (statewide jurisdiction):

• Property tax appeals
• Income tax disputes with the Oregon Department of Revenue
• Corporate excise and franchise tax cases
• Inheritance tax matters
• Local budget law challenges

Oregon Court of Appeals (statewide jurisdiction):

• Appeals from Circuit Court judgments
• Appeals from administrative agency orders
• Review of Land Use Board of Appeals decisions
• Review of Workers' Compensation Board decisions

Oregon Supreme Court (statewide jurisdiction):

• Discretionary review of Court of Appeals decisions
• Direct review of Tax Court decisions
• Death penalty appeals (mandatory jurisdiction)
• Attorney discipline matters
• Certified questions from federal courts
• Original proceedings for mandamus, habeas corpus, and quo warranto

Case assignment within the Lane County Circuit Court is managed through specialized dockets, with judges assigned to particular departments based on case type. Pursuant to ORS § 3.225, the Presiding Judge has authority to establish specialized courts, which currently include drug court, mental health court, and veterans' treatment court programs.

How To Find a Court Docket In Lane County

Court dockets in Lane County provide chronological listings of all actions taken in a case, including filings, hearings, and judicial decisions. Members of the public may access docket information through several methods:

1. Online Docket Access

   • Visit the Oregon Judicial Department's Find a Case page
   • Select "Oregon eCourt Case Information" to search Circuit Court cases
   • Enter case number, party name, or attorney information
   • View register of actions (docket) showing all case events
   • Access Oregon eCourt Circuit Court Calendars for upcoming hearing schedules

2. In-Person Docket Review

   • Visit the Lane County Circuit Court Records Department:

   Lane County Circuit Court
   125 E 8th Ave
   Eugene, OR 97401
   541-682-4020
   Lane County Circuit Court

   • Request docket information at the public counter
   • Use public access terminals to search case management system
   • Review physical docket books for older cases not in electronic format

3. Municipal Court Dockets

   • For Eugene Municipal Court cases:
     • Visit the court's website or call 541-682-5400
     • Provide citation number or defendant name
   • For Springfield Municipal Court cases:
     • Contact court staff at 541-726-3753
     • Provide citation number or case information

4. Justice Court Dockets

   • Contact the Lane County Justice Court at 541-682-4020
   • Provide case number or party information
   • Request docket information for specific cases

5. Appellate Court Dockets

   • Access the Appellate Case Management System through the Oregon Judicial Department website
   • Search by case number or party name
   • View appellate case register showing briefing schedule and decision status

When searching for docket information, it is helpful to have the following information available:

• Case number (most efficient search method)
• Full names of parties involved
• Approximate filing date
• Case type or nature of proceeding

Pursuant to Oregon Uniform Trial Court Rule 3.180, courts must maintain registers of actions for all cases, which serve as the official docket record. These registers are generally public records, though access to certain case types may be restricted by statute or court rule.

Which Courts in Lane County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Lane County's judicial system, certain courts operate as "courts not of record," meaning they do not maintain official verbatim transcripts of their proceedings. Pursuant to ORS § 51.020, Justice Courts are statutorily defined as courts not of record in Oregon, though they do maintain case files and docket information.

The following courts in Lane County are not courts of record:

1. Lane County Justice Court

   • Handles minor offenses, small claims, and certain misdemeanors
   • Maintains case files but not verbatim transcripts
   • Appeals from Justice Court proceed as trials de novo (new trials) in Circuit Court
   • Proceedings are not recorded by official court reporters

2. Municipal Courts

   • Eugene Municipal Court
   • Springfield Municipal Court
   • Cottage Grove Municipal Court
   • Junction City Municipal Court
   • These courts handle city ordinance violations and minor offenses
   • Appeals are heard as trials de novo in Circuit Court
   • While some municipal courts may record proceedings, they are not statutorily required to maintain official transcripts

Courts not of record differ from courts of record in several important ways:

• No official court reporter is required to transcribe proceedings
• Appeals involve completely new trials rather than review of the record
• Judges in these courts are not always required to be attorneys
• Procedures may be less formal than in courts of record

By contrast, the following Lane County courts are courts of record:

• Lane County Circuit Court
• Oregon Tax Court
• Oregon Court of Appeals
• Oregon Supreme Court

These courts maintain official records of all proceedings, typically through court reporters or electronic recording systems. Appeals from courts of record involve review of the existing record rather than new trials.

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is established in ORS § 1.270, which defines courts of record in Oregon and their requirements for maintaining official proceeding records.

Lookup Court Records in Lane County

Lane County Circuit Court Records

Oregon eCourt Circuit Court Calendars

Find a Case or Court Record

Records Requests Form

Lane County Circuit Court