>Union County Arrest Records Online

Union County, Oregon Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Union County, Oregon?

Arrest records are public in Union County, Oregon, pursuant to Oregon Public Records Law (ORS Chapter 192). This statute establishes that government-held information, including arrest records, shall be accessible to members of the public with limited exceptions. The Oregon legislature has determined that transparency in governmental operations, including law enforcement activities, serves the public interest by promoting accountability and informed civic participation.

The Union County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with ORS § 192.311-192.478, which mandates the preservation and availability of public records. Individuals seeking arrest information may submit requests to the appropriate agencies without demonstrating a particular need or purpose for accessing such records. However, certain information within arrest records may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with statutory exemptions.

Union County Sheriff's Office
1109 K Avenue
La Grande, OR 97850
(541) 963-1017
Union County Sheriff's Office

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Union County?

Union County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The Union County Sheriff's Office provides digital access to current jail rosters and booking information through their official website. This online resource is updated regularly to reflect current incarcerations and recent arrests within county jurisdiction.

The Oregon Judicial Department also maintains the Oregon Judicial Case Information Network (OJCIN), which provides electronic access to court records associated with arrests in Union County. This system allows users to search for case information using name, case number, or other identifiers. Access to certain detailed information may require registration and payment of statutory fees as prescribed by ORS § 192.324.

Digital access to these records is subject to the same statutory provisions and exemptions that govern physical records. The online availability of arrest information is intended to enhance public access while maintaining appropriate safeguards for sensitive information as required by Oregon law.

How to Look Up Union County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Union County have multiple methods available for conducting searches. The following procedures have been established to facilitate public access to these records:

Submit a public records request to the Union County Sheriff's Office either in person, by mail, or through their online portal. Requests should include the name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and any other identifying information that may assist in locating the correct records.
Access the current jail roster available on the Union County Sheriff's Office website, which provides information on individuals currently in custody.
Visit the Union County Circuit Court located at 1105 K Avenue, La Grande, Oregon 97850, to review court records associated with arrests and subsequent legal proceedings.
Contact the Oregon State Police Records Unit at 3565 Trelstad Ave SE, Salem, OR 97317, for statewide criminal history information that may include Union County arrests.
Utilize the Oregon Judicial Department's online case information system for court records related to arrests that have proceeded to formal charges.

Pursuant to ORS § 192.324, agencies may charge reasonable fees to cover the costs associated with searching for, reviewing, and copying requested records. Fee schedules are established by each agency and are available upon request.

Contents of a Union County Arrest Record

Union County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Oregon Administrative Rules and state statutes. These official documents typically include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases or alternative identifications
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and physical descriptors
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory citations and descriptions of alleged offenses
Identity of the arresting agency and officer(s)
Booking information including assigned identification numbers
Custody status and bail information where applicable
Mugshot photographs taken during the booking process
Fingerprint records collected at the time of processing
Preliminary court appearance information if applicable

The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the arrest, the arresting agency's protocols, and the stage of the criminal justice process. Records maintained by the Union County Sheriff's Office adhere to the Oregon Justice Information Network standards for uniformity and completeness.

Certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available versions of arrest records in accordance with exemptions provided in ORS § 192.345 and § 192.355, particularly when disclosure would constitute an unreasonable invasion of privacy or compromise an ongoing investigation.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Union County

Oregon law provides mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to ORS § 137.225, individuals may petition the Union County Circuit Court for an order setting aside arrest records when statutory criteria are met. The expungement process effectively seals records from public view, though certain government agencies may retain limited access for specific purposes.

Eligibility requirements for expungement in Union County include:

Completion of all court-imposed requirements related to the arrest
Passage of the statutory waiting period (typically three years for most misdemeanors and seven years for most felonies)
Absence of pending criminal charges or proceedings
No convictions within the applicable waiting period
Ineligibility of certain serious offenses as enumerated in ORS § 137.225(5)

The expungement petition must be filed with the Union County Circuit Court and served upon the District Attorney's Office. The court may schedule a hearing to determine whether granting the petition serves the interests of justice. If approved, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to seal the records pertaining to the arrest.

The Union County Justice Court located at 1001 4th Street, La Grande, OR 97850, can provide procedural information regarding the expungement process for violations within their jurisdiction.

Legal Implications of Arrest Records in Union County

Arrest records in Union County carry significant legal implications for affected individuals. These records, maintained pursuant to ORS Chapter 181A, serve as official documentation of law enforcement interactions but do not constitute proof of guilt. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is fundamental to the American justice system, as articulated in numerous Oregon appellate decisions.

The presence of arrest records may impact:

Employment opportunities, particularly in positions requiring background checks
Housing applications and rental agreements
Professional licensing and certification processes
Educational enrollment and financial aid eligibility
Immigration status and proceedings
Firearm purchase eligibility under federal and state regulations

Oregon law provides certain protections against discrimination based solely on arrest records. ORS § 659A.030 prohibits employment discrimination based on expunged or sealed arrest records. Additionally, employers are restricted in their ability to inquire about arrests that did not result in conviction under certain circumstances.

The Union County Clerk's Office serves as the custodian of court records related to arrests and can provide certified copies of dispositions that may be required to demonstrate the resolution of cases where charges were dismissed or resulted in acquittal.

Accessing Historical Arrest Records in Union County

Historical arrest records in Union County are maintained through a coordinated system of local and state archives. These records, some dating back to the county's establishment in 1864, provide valuable documentation for historical research, genealogical investigations, and legal verification purposes.

The primary repositories for historical arrest records include:

The Union County Clerk's Office maintains court records associated with historical arrests and prosecutions. These records are organized chronologically and by case number.
The Oregon State Archives houses historical records from Union County law enforcement agencies, particularly those predating modern recordkeeping systems.
The Union County Historical Society maintains certain non-confidential historical law enforcement records as part of their preservation of local history.

Researchers seeking historical arrest records should note that documentation standards have evolved significantly over time. Early records may contain limited information compared to contemporary arrest documentation. Additionally, some historical records may have been lost due to courthouse fires, floods, or other disasters that affected record preservation.

Access to historical arrest records may require submission of a formal records request and payment of applicable fees. Certain historical records may have been sealed or expunged pursuant to court orders, and access to such records remains restricted despite their historical nature.