Named after the first US president, Washington County is the second most populated county in Oregon, with a population of over 600 thousand. Of its total area of 726 square miles, only 2.2 square miles are water bodies. Hillsboro is the largest city by land area and the county seat.

Courts in Washington County

The Washington County Circuit Court, also known as the 20th Judicial Circuit Court, is the county's highest court. It has general jurisdiction over all civil and criminal cases. It typically hears civil cases with more than $10,000 claims and criminal cases. It also handles probate and domestic matters such as dissolution of marriage, separation, adoption, appointment of guardianship, and admission of wills.

Washington County has eight municipal courts within its jurisdiction. The municipal courts are located in Tualatin, Tigard, King City, Sherwood, Hillsboro, Forest Grove, Gaston, and Beaverton. They handle municipal ordinance violations and traffic infractions in their jurisdictions.

In addition, Washington County Juvenile Court hears all juvenile-related matters, including juvenile delinquency, truancy, and traffic infraction cases. It can also hear juvenile dependency matters involving abusive or neglectful parents.

Lastly, the Washington County Justice Court is the last remaining Justice Court established in Washington County. An elected Justice of the Peace oversees the court, which has jurisdiction over municipal ordinance violations, some misdemeanor offenses, and motor vehicle code violations. It can also hear certain civil cases involving claims of not more than $10,000.

Where to Find Public Court Records in Washington County

The Records File Room under the Washington County Circuit Court maintains all records generated in Washington County courts. It prepares and provides non-confidential court records for public access. The public can request and make copies of court records online, in person, or via mail. Court records copies cost $0.25 per page, while certified copies cost an additional $5 per record.

Individuals can search for public court records in Washington County via the Oregon Judicial Department Online Record Search, and they may request copies by completing the Court Records Request form online. They can also visit the courts to request to inspect or make copies of public court records of interest. Those making requests by mail must send the completed Records Request (by mail) forms, checks of appropriate fees, and self-addressed stamped envelopes to:

Washington County Circuit Court

Attention: Records Department

150 N 1st Avenue MS 37

Hillsboro, OR 97124

Types of Public Court Records in Washington County

The following are the types of court records available to the public in Washington County unless sealed by orders of the court:

• Civil Court Records: includes small claims, personal injury cases, and breaches of contract
• Criminal Court Records: includes court proceedings for misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and felonies
• Probate Court Records: includes documentation for appointments of guardianships, admission of wills, administration of trusts and estate
• Family Court Records: includes annulment, divorce, custody, and adoption cases

Confidential Court Records

Confidential court records in Washington County are court records made confidential by court orders or by Oregon laws. The following court records are typically excluded from public records in Oregon:

• Dismissed or acquitted charges
• Juvenile records
• Mental health records
• Information that can be used to identify jurors
• Unexecuted warrants

In addition, part or all of a Washington County court record containing the following sensitive information may  be exempted from public access:

• Settlement agreement of a divorce case
• Information about victims of a crime
• Psychological evaluation reports
• Financial information
• Intellectual proprietary
• Social Security number

Juvenile Delinquency in Washington, OR

Unfortunately, in many areas of the Washington County, juvenile delinquency issues are on the rise. There are many reasons for the rise in youth offenders. The juvenile sentence in Oregon often depends on the severity of the crime, the number of crimes, and other family matters.

In 2017, a total of 1141 juvenile cases were reported for every 100,000 people age 10 to adulthood in the jurisdiction of Washington County. Of that total, 97% of those proceedings were delinquencies which equaled 1105 court cases. Another 0% were dependency cases that accounted for 0 of the juvenile cases.

A lot of counties, including, Washington County, are focusing on family therapy and relationships rather than punishment for juvenile crimes. Future Washington County juvenile delinquency numbers will show whether or not this approach is working.

Government of Washington County, OR

http://oregon.gov/

County Seat:	Hillsboro
Government Type:	County
Authority:	Home Rule
Year Organized:	1843
Total Square Miles:	726
2019 Population:	588,957
Persons/Square Mile:	0.00

Washington County, OR Courts