Lake Oswego Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Lake Oswego, Oregon?
Arrest records are public in Lake Oswego, Oregon, pursuant to Oregon Public Records Law (ORS Chapter 192). This legislation establishes that information created, maintained, or possessed by government agencies, including arrest records, shall be accessible to the public. The law operates under the presumption that government records are open unless specifically exempted by statute. The Oregon Public Records Law serves to promote transparency and accountability in governmental operations by ensuring citizens have the right to access information regarding law enforcement activities within their communities.
Pursuant to ORS § 192.314, every person has the right to inspect any public record of a public body in Oregon, subject to certain exemptions outlined in ORS § 192.345 and § 192.355. The Lake Oswego Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state regulations and makes them available through established protocols designed to balance public access with privacy considerations.
How to Look Up Lake Oswego Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Lake Oswego may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The Records Division of the Lake Oswego Police Department serves as the primary custodian of these documents. Individuals may access arrest records through the following methods:
In-person requests at the Lake Oswego Police Department Records Division, located at 380 A Avenue, Lake Oswego, OR 97034. Public counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Written requests submitted via mail to:
Lake Oswego Police Department Records Division
380 A Avenue
Lake Oswego, OR 97034
Phone: (503) 635-0250
Police Records DivisionElectronic requests through the city's online portal, where available. Requestors must provide specific information including the name of the individual, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest to facilitate record location.
Requests through the Lake Oswego Municipal Court for cases within their jurisdiction at:
Lake Oswego Municipal Court
380 A Avenue
Lake Oswego, OR 97034
Phone: (503) 635-0217
Municipal Court Services
Pursuant to ORS § 192.324, public bodies may establish reasonable fees for record requests. The Lake Oswego Police Department charges fees based on staff time required to process requests, copying costs, and any necessary redaction procedures. Fee schedules are available upon request and may be waived or reduced if disclosure is determined to be in the public interest.
Contents of a Lake Oswego Arrest Record
Standard arrest records maintained by the Lake Oswego Police Department contain specific information as mandated by Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 166-200-0100. These records typically include:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
- Date of birth and demographic information
- Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Statutory citation and description of alleged offense(s)
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Fingerprint records when collected
- Case number and incident report references
- Custody status and bail/bond information when applicable
- Disposition of the case if available
Certain information may be redacted from public arrest records in accordance with ORS § 192.345 and § 192.355, which provide conditional and unconditional exemptions from disclosure. Such exemptions may include information that would constitute an unreasonable invasion of privacy, information compiled for criminal investigative purposes where disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation, or information protected by federal law.
The Lake Oswego City Code further governs the maintenance and accessibility of these records, establishing local protocols that complement state requirements.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Lake Oswego
The expungement process in Lake Oswego follows Oregon state law as outlined in ORS Chapter 137. Expungement (also referred to as "setting aside") allows for the sealing of arrest and conviction records under specific circumstances. When a record is expunged, it is removed from public access, though certain government agencies may retain limited access for specific purposes.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Lake Oswego include:
- Completion of all court-imposed requirements including probation, payment of fines, and completion of community service
- Passage of the statutory waiting period (typically three years for most misdemeanors and violations, five years for Class C felonies, seven years for Class B felonies)
- No pending criminal charges or proceedings
- No convictions within the applicable waiting period
- Certain offenses are ineligible for expungement, including most sex crimes, child abuse, certain driving offenses, and crimes constituting domestic violence
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Clackamas County Circuit Court, as Lake Oswego falls within its jurisdiction. Petitioners must:
- Complete the required forms available through the Oregon Judicial Department
- File the petition with the court and pay applicable filing fees
- Serve copies of the petition to the District Attorney's Office and the arresting agency
- Attend a scheduled hearing if required by the court
Upon approval, the court issues an order directing all agencies to seal the records. Pursuant to ORS § 137.225(3), once an expungement order is issued, the person may legally respond to inquiries as though the arrest or conviction never occurred, with certain exceptions for specific licensing and employment situations.
The Lake Oswego Municipal Court can provide guidance on expungement procedures for violations adjudicated within their jurisdiction, while the Clackamas County Circuit Court handles most criminal matters.
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