Multnomah County Criminal History Records
Multnomah County is the most populous county in Oregon and includes Portland, the state's largest city. Criminal history records here come from several agencies. The Multnomah County Circuit Court, the Sheriff's Office, and the Portland Police Bureau all keep different types of case data. Residents and the public can search court records online or request files in person. This page covers the main ways to find criminal history in Multnomah County, from free court tools to formal record requests through each office.
Multnomah County Circuit Court Records
The Multnomah County Circuit Court is the trial court for Oregon's 4th Judicial District. It has 38 judges and four locations across the county. The main courthouse sits at 1200 SW 1st Ave in Portland. The Justice Center is at 1120 SW 3rd Ave. East County Courthouse is at 18480 SE Stark St, and the Juvenile Justice Center is at 1401 NE 68th Ave. This court handles all felony, misdemeanor, and traffic cases in the county. It also serves as the municipal court for Portland and Gresham.
You can search Multnomah County criminal history through the Multnomah County Circuit Court records page for free access to basic case data. The court also takes email requests at MUL.Records@ojd.state.or.us. When you file a criminal case request, include the full name, date of birth or date of conviction, and the year the case was filed. Copy fees are $0.25 per page. Certified copies cost $5.00, and exemplified copies cost $10.00. Court records cost $3 per request by email, plus $0.25 per page for printed copies.
Public access terminals are set up at the courthouse. Walk in and use them at no cost.
Sheriff's Office Criminal History
The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office handles its own set of records. These are not the same as court records. The Sheriff keeps jail data, booking photos, intake forms, and lists of charges. They also store facility video, jail phone calls, and video calls. For law enforcement files, you can request investigations, warrant packets, and civil service records.
To start a public records request, go to the Multnomah County Public Records Center portal. Click "Submit a Records Request" and fill out the form. Some data is already public on the MCSO site, like crime data and monthly jail stats. The Sheriff's Office does not provide Portland or Gresham police reports. It also does not release circuit court records or 911 dispatch logs. For jail medical or mental health records, contact medical.records.request@multco.us instead.
The screenshot below shows the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office public records request page, where you can submit requests for criminal history data held by the Sheriff.
Records are kept based on retention schedules set by the Archives Division of the Oregon Secretary of State and Multnomah County Records and Archives.
Portland Police Bureau Records
The Portland Police Bureau Records Division is another source for Multnomah County criminal history. The bureau no longer has a walk-in counter. All requests must go through the Portland Records Request Center online or by mail. A copy of valid picture ID is required with every request. Name record fees are $2.00 per person.
The Portland Police Bureau can issue immigration visa letters and local clearance letters at no charge. Records are certified as true copies on request. If your name shows up in a PPB news release tied to an arrest, you may ask for its removal. Under Oregon House Bill 3355, the bureau will share officer names and DPSST numbers on request. For full criminal history checks, the bureau refers you to the Oregon State Police CJIS Division at 503-378-3070.
Below is the Portland Police Bureau records page, which explains how to submit requests for criminal history held by PPB.
Third party name record requests must also go through the Portland Records Request Center.
Note: The Portland Police Bureau does not conduct full criminal history checks and directs all such requests to the Oregon State Police.
Online Search for Criminal Records
Oregon offers free online access to court calendars and basic case data through the OJD Records and Calendar Search. This tool covers all 36 circuit courts in the state, including Multnomah County. You can look up criminal cases, view hearing dates, and check case status. Sealed, juvenile, mental health, and domestic violence cases are not shown.
For deeper searches, the OJCIN OnLine subscription service provides full docket entries and filings. OJCIN covers all Oregon circuit courts, plus the Tax and Appellate courts. Setup costs $150, and monthly fees range from $27 to $1,620 based on access level. Each user profile adds $16 per month. Technical support is available at 503-986-5582 or toll free at 877-826-5010, Monday through Friday from 7am to 5pm.
Multnomah County Criminal History Laws
Criminal history records in Oregon are governed by strict rules. Under ORS 181A.220, fingerprints, photos, and criminal reports compiled by the state are confidential. They are exempt from public inspection. Access is only allowed through court order, specific statutes, or the individual reviewing their own file.
When someone requests criminal history on another person, ORS 181A.245 requires the state to notify the subject. The notice goes to the last known address. It includes a copy of all data that will be shared. The subject gets 14 days to challenge any errors before the record is released. The released data includes date of arrest, the offense, the arresting agency, court of origin, and the disposition including any sentence.
The Multnomah County Circuit Court records page below shows the available search and request options for criminal history in this county.
The response is based on name similarity only. Fingerprints do not confirm the match.
Expungement and Record Set Aside
Some criminal records in Multnomah County can be erased. Oregon law allows certain arrests and convictions to be set aside under ORS 137.225. This process is often called expungement. Not all crimes qualify. Most felonies and sex crimes cannot be set aside. A waiting period applies before you can file.
You do not need a lawyer to file for expungement. Court forms are available online. If the court grants the motion, the record is removed from public view. The Oregon Department of Corrections offender search tool shows records from 1982 to present and may still list some entries until updates are processed.
Note: The Oregon State Police charges $33.00 for a criminal history check, whether the person has a record or not.
Cities in Multnomah County
Multnomah County includes Portland and Gresham, both of which have their own city-level resources for criminal records. Portland is the county seat and home to the main courthouse. Select a city below for more local information on criminal history records.
Nearby Counties
Multnomah County borders Washington, Clackamas, Columbia, and Hood River counties. Check which county handles your case before filing a records request. Cases are kept by the court where they were originally filed.