DeschutesCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in Deschutes County, Oregon. You can also search court records through the Oregon Judicial Department's online tools, the circuit court clerk's office in Bend, and public access terminals at the courthouse. Additional records are available through county offices and state agencies depending on the case type.
Deschutes Court System & Jurisdictions
Deschutes County has two primary courts that generate docket records. Knowing which court handled a case determines where to search.
Deschutes County Circuit Court
The Deschutes County Circuit Court is the state trial court of general jurisdiction. It handles:
- Criminal cases — felonies, misdemeanors, violations
- Civil cases — contract disputes, personal injury, landlord-tenant, restraining orders
- Family law — divorce (dissolution), custody, child support, adoption
- Probate and estate — wills, guardianships, conservatorships
- Juvenile — delinquency and dependency matters (records are generally confidential)
- Small claims — civil disputes up to $10,000
- Traffic — contested traffic citations and driving-related offenses
Deschutes County Justice Court
The Deschutes County Justice Court is a limited-jurisdiction court administered by the county under an elected Justice of the Peace. It primarily handles:
- Traffic violations and minor traffic offenses
- Boating and wildlife violations
- County ordinance violations
- Certain misdemeanors and small claims within statutory limits
Federal Cases
Federal matters — bankruptcy, federal criminal charges, civil rights claims — are filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon. Federal dockets are searchable through PACER.
Deschutes Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find today's or upcoming hearings in Deschutes County Circuit Court, use the Oregon Judicial Department's free online calendar tool:
- Go to Oregon eCourt Case Information.
- Select Deschutes County from the court list.
- Search by party name, case number, or browse the daily calendar.
- Calendar results show hearing date, time, courtroom, case number, and judge.
You can also access calendars and basic case information through the OJD Records & Calendar Search page. Note that certain case types — including juvenile, mental health, and some family law proceedings — may not appear in public calendar results due to state confidentiality laws.
For Justice Court hearings, contact the Justice Court directly or check with the court clerk for scheduled dates.
How to Get a Copy of a Deschutes Court Document
The Deschutes County Circuit Court offers three ways to obtain copies of case documents:
In Person
Visit the courthouse at 1100 NW Bond Street in Bend during business hours. You can request copies at the clerk's window. Bring the case number if you have it; otherwise, staff can search by party name.
Online
The court accepts online requests for case file copies. Requests are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. You will need to provide case identifying information and pay applicable fees.
By Mail
Send a written request with the case number, document description, and a check or money order for the estimated fees to:
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions of court documents, suitable for personal reference.
- Certified copies include the court seal and clerk's signature, often required for legal proceedings, immigration, or government filings.
Specify which type you need when making your request. Certified copies carry an additional fee per document.
Restricted Records
Certain records are not publicly available, including:
- Sealed or expunged cases
- Juvenile delinquency and dependency files
- Adoption records
- Grand jury proceedings
- Mental commitment records
For questions about access restrictions, contact the court clerk at 541-388-5300 or review the Oregon Revised Statutes governing court record confidentiality.
Deschutes Court Records Fees & Payment
Oregon circuit courts follow a statewide fee schedule set by the Oregon Judicial Department through administrative orders. The following are commonly applicable fees for Deschutes County Circuit Court record services:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certified copy (per document) | $5.00 |
| Record search (per name, per case type) | Varies; contact clerk |
| Audio copy of hearing (per CD/digital file) | Varies; contact clerk |
| Exemplified copy | $10.00 |
Payment methods accepted at the courthouse:
- Cash
- Check or money order (payable to Deschutes County Circuit Court)
- Credit/debit card (a processing fee may apply)
For mail requests, include a check or money order. If the exact amount is uncertain, contact the Deschutes County court records office at 541-388-5300 for a cost estimate before sending payment.
Fees are established by Oregon Judicial Department Chief Justice Orders and may change. Confirm current amounts with the clerk's office or on the court's website before submitting a request.