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Multnomah County, Oregon Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Multnomah County, Oregon?

Arrest records are public documents in Multnomah County, Oregon, pursuant to Oregon Public Records Law (ORS Chapter 192). This legislation establishes that records prepared, owned, used, or retained by public bodies must be accessible to the public, with limited statutory exemptions. The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their official duties in documenting law enforcement activities within the jurisdiction. Under ORS § 192.311-192.478, government agencies must provide reasonable access to public records upon request, typically within 15 business days, though complex requests may require additional time.

Certain information within arrest records may be redacted in accordance with ORS § 192.355, which protects personal privacy interests, ongoing investigations, and confidential informant identities. Juvenile records are subject to additional confidentiality protections under ORS § 419A.255. Despite these limitations, the fundamental principle of public accessibility remains intact for most adult arrest documentation in Multnomah County.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Multnomah County?

Multnomah County provides digital access to certain arrest records through several official online platforms. The Multnomah County Circuit Court maintains an electronic case information system that includes arrest-related court proceedings. This system, implemented pursuant to ORS § 192.318 regarding electronic access to public records, allows members of the public to search for case information using name, case number, or other identifiers.

The Oregon Judicial Department's Oregon eCourt Case Information system (OECI) provides a centralized portal for accessing court records, including those related to arrests in Multnomah County. Users should note that while basic case information is available online, complete arrest records with detailed reports may require in-person requests at the appropriate agency. Digital access is subject to user agreements and may involve nominal fees for certain searches or document retrieval as authorized under ORS § 192.324(4).

How to Look Up Multnomah County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Multnomah County arrest records in 2025 may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The primary methods include:

Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information such as the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest to facilitate accurate record retrieval. Pursuant to ORS § 192.324, agencies may charge reasonable fees to cover the costs of record search, review, and duplication. Current fee schedules are available at each agency's public counter or official website.

Contents of a Multnomah County Arrest Record

Multnomah County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 166-200-0100 governing law enforcement record retention. A typical arrest record includes:

  • Biographical data of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and address at time of arrest

  • Incident details, including date, time, and location of arrest, case number, and arresting agency identification

  • Criminal charges filed, including Oregon Revised Statutes citation numbers and charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, or violation)

  • Booking information, including fingerprints, photograph (mugshot), and unique identification numbers

  • Custody status information, including bail or bond amounts set, release conditions, and court appearance dates

  • Arresting officer information and badge number

  • Narrative description of the circumstances leading to arrest (may be partially redacted to protect ongoing investigations or witness information pursuant to ORS § 192.355)

These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and form the basis for subsequent criminal justice proceedings. The completeness and accuracy of these records are maintained in accordance with state archival requirements and law enforcement best practices.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Multnomah County

Oregon law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records in Multnomah County through a process formally known as "setting aside" a record. Pursuant to ORS § 137.225, individuals may petition the Multnomah County Circuit Court to have records of arrests, charges, or convictions sealed if they meet specific eligibility criteria.

The expungement process requires:

  • Filing a formal petition with the Multnomah County Circuit Court at 1200 SW 1st Avenue, Portland, OR 97204

  • Payment of filing fees (currently $281 as of 2023, subject to change)

  • Submission of fingerprints for verification purposes

  • Notification to the District Attorney's Office, which has 120 days to file objections

Eligibility criteria vary based on offense type and subsequent criminal history. Generally, individuals must complete all terms of their sentence and maintain a clean record for a specified waiting period (typically 1-3 years for most misdemeanors, 3-7 years for felonies). Certain serious offenses, including most sex crimes, child abuse, and certain traffic offenses, are ineligible for expungement under ORS § 137.225(5).

When granted, expungement results in the sealing of all official records pertaining to the arrest, including police reports, fingerprints, photographs, and court documents. The legal effect is that the arrest is deemed not to have occurred, and the individual may legally respond accordingly on employment applications and other inquiries, with limited exceptions for certain professional licensing bodies and law enforcement agencies.

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