Arrest records in McMinnville, Oregon are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to Oregon Public Records Law (ORS Chapter 192). This legislation establishes the framework for public access to government-held information, including documentation of law enforcement activities. The Oregon Public Records Law operates under the presumption that government records shall be available to the public unless specifically exempted by statute.
The McMinnville Police Department maintains arrest records as part of its official documentation of law enforcement activities within city limits. These records document instances where individuals have been taken into custody by law enforcement officers on suspicion of criminal activity. Under ORS 192.345, certain public records may be exempt from disclosure in limited circumstances, but the majority of basic arrest information remains accessible to promote transparency in the criminal justice system.
Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while the records themselves are public, certain information within them may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with ORS 192.355. The McMinnville Police Department follows established protocols for processing public records requests in compliance with state law.
The McMinnville Police Department provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Individuals seeking such information may utilize any of the following methods:
Submit a records request directly to the McMinnville Police Department. Pursuant to ORS 192.324, public bodies may establish reasonable fees to recover costs associated with fulfilling records requests.
Visit the McMinnville Police Department in person to submit a records request:
McMinnville Police Department
121 SW Adams Street
McMinnville, OR 97128
503-434-7307
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Contact the Yamhill County Circuit Court for cases that have proceeded to court proceedings:
Yamhill County Circuit Court
535 NE 5th Street
McMinnville, OR 97128
503-434-7530
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Access the Oregon Judicial Department's online case information system for court records related to arrests that have resulted in charges.
When requesting arrest records, individuals must provide sufficient information to identify the specific record sought, including the full name of the subject, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available. Processing times vary depending on the complexity of the request and current departmental workload.
McMinnville arrest records contain standardized information documenting the apprehension and processing of individuals suspected of criminal activity. These records typically include the following elements as required by Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR 166-200-0100):
The level of detail contained in publicly accessible versions of these records may vary based on the status of any related investigation, juvenile status of the subject, and applicable privacy protections under ORS 192.355. Certain sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers, medical information, and information that could compromise ongoing investigations, is typically redacted from public copies in accordance with state law.
The McMinnville Municipal Court maintains records of cases processed through the municipal court system, which may include additional information regarding court proceedings related to the arrest.
Oregon law provides a mechanism for the expungement (also called "setting aside") of arrest records under specific circumstances. This process is governed by ORS 137.225 and allows eligible individuals to petition the court to seal records of arrests and convictions from public view. When an expungement is granted, the arrest record is sealed and the individual may legally respond to inquiries as though the arrest never occurred, with limited exceptions.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in McMinnville include:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the court that handled the original case. For arrests that occurred within McMinnville city limits, petitions are typically filed with either:
Yamhill County Circuit Court
535 NE 5th Street
McMinnville, OR 97128
503-434-7530
McMinnville Municipal Court
230 NE Second Street
McMinnville, OR 97128
503-434-7305
Petitioners must pay applicable filing fees, though fee waivers may be available for qualifying individuals. The court reviews each petition to determine if the statutory requirements have been met. If approved, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to seal the records. This process typically takes 2-4 months from filing to completion.
Pursuant to ORS 137.225(3), once an expungement order is granted, the subject of the record "shall be deemed not to have been previously convicted or arrested" for most purposes. However, expunged records may still be accessible to law enforcement agencies, certain licensing boards, and in specific legal proceedings as provided by statute.