>Lake County Arrest Records Online

Lake County, Oregon Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Lake County, Oregon?

Arrest records are public documents in Lake County, Oregon, pursuant to Oregon Public Records Law (ORS Chapter 192). This legislation establishes that government records, including those documenting arrests, must be accessible to the public with limited exceptions. The law operates under the principle that transparency in governmental operations, particularly in law enforcement activities, serves the public interest and maintains accountability.

Members of the public may request arrest records from various Lake County agencies, including the Sheriff's Office and Circuit Court. Pursuant to ORS § 192.324, public bodies must respond to records requests within a reasonable time frame. While certain information within arrest records may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy as specified under ORS § 192.355, the fundamental record of an arrest remains public information.

The Lake County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory obligation under Oregon law. Records are typically retained according to the Lake County Records Inventory guidelines established by the Oregon State Archives.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Lake County?

Lake County arrest records are available through various online platforms maintained by state and county agencies. The Oregon Judicial Department provides electronic access to court records related to arrests through their online case information system. Additionally, the Lake County Sheriff's Office maintains digital records that may be accessed through their official website or designated public terminals.

Pursuant to ORS § 192.318, public bodies are encouraged to make public records available in electronic format when feasible. Lake County has implemented this directive by providing digital access to various public records, including arrest information. The Lake County Circuit Court maintains an online database where case information stemming from arrests can be searched and reviewed.

Online access to these records is subject to the same exemptions and redactions as physical records under ORS § 192.355. Certain sensitive information, such as social security numbers, medical information, and information related to victims of certain crimes, may be withheld from public view in accordance with state law.

How to Look Up Lake County Arrest Records in 2025

Lake County provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. The following methods are available for conducting arrest record searches:

Lake County Sheriff's Office: The primary repository for arrest records in the county is located at 513 Center Street, Lakeview, OR 97630. Public terminals are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Phone: (541) 947-6027.
Lake County Circuit Court: Court records related to arrests can be accessed at 513 Center Street, Lakeview, OR 97630. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Phone: (541) 947-6051.
Oregon Judicial Department Online Services: The state court system maintains electronic records accessible through their official website. This resource provides case information for arrests that have proceeded to court action.
Oregon State Police Records Unit: For statewide criminal history information, contact the Records Unit at 3565 Trelstad Ave SE, Salem, OR 97317. Phone: (503) 378-3070. The Oregon State Police maintains records of arrests throughout the state.
Oregon Department of Corrections: For information on individuals currently in custody or under supervision, the Oregon Offender Search system provides public access to this information.

Requests for arrest records must comply with ORS § 192.324, which requires that requests reasonably identify the records sought. Agencies may charge reasonable fees to cover the costs of record retrieval and duplication as permitted under ORS § 192.324(4).

Contents of a Lake County Arrest Record

Lake County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 166-150-0135 governing law enforcement records. These records typically include the following components:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Date of birth and demographic information
Physical description including height, weight, eye and hair color, and identifying marks
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest, including ORS citation numbers
Booking photographs (mugshots) taken during processing
Fingerprint records collected during booking
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Agency case number and booking reference numbers
Custody status information
Bail or bond information, if applicable
Property inventory collected during booking

These records are maintained in accordance with the retention schedules established by the Oregon State Archives for Lake County law enforcement agencies. Pursuant to OAR 166-150-0135, arrest records are typically retained for a minimum of 75 years from the date of creation.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Lake County

Under Oregon law, certain individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records in Lake County. The process is governed by ORS § 137.225, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedures for setting aside convictions and arrests. Expungement effectively seals the record from public view, though it remains accessible to law enforcement agencies.

Eligibility requirements for expungement in Lake County include:

Completion of all court-mandated requirements related to the arrest
Passage of the waiting period specified in ORS § 137.225 (typically 1-3 years for arrests not leading to conviction)
No pending criminal charges at the time of application
No convictions within the specified waiting period
The arrest must not be for a non-expungable offense as defined in ORS § 137.225(5)

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Lake County Circuit Court located at 513 Center Street, Lakeview, OR 97630. Petitioners must provide fingerprints and pay applicable filing fees as established by the court. The District Attorney's office reviews all petitions and may object based on statutory grounds.

Upon approval of an expungement petition, the court issues an order directing all agencies to seal the record. Pursuant to ORS § 137.225(3), once an expungement order is issued, the person may legally respond to inquiries as though the arrest never occurred, with exceptions for certain licensing and employment situations specified in statute.