Klamath County Public Records /Klamath County Court Records

Klamath County Court Records

What Is Klamath County Court Records

Court records in Klamath County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of judicial activities and decisions maintained pursuant to Oregon Revised Statutes § 192.311, which defines public records as including court-generated documents.

Klamath County court records typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
Docket sheets chronicling case events and filing chronology
Judicial orders and final judgments
Hearing and trial transcripts
Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
Sentencing records and probation terms in criminal matters
Marriage dissolution decrees and custody determinations
Probate filings and estate distributions

Court records are distinct from other public records maintained by Klamath County, such as property records (deeds, liens, assessments), vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates), and county administrative records. The primary distinction lies in their creation within the judicial process rather than through administrative functions.

The Klamath County Circuit Court serves as the principal repository for court records within the county. Additional courts maintaining records include:

Klamath County Justice Court (limited jurisdiction cases)
Klamath Falls Municipal Court (city ordinance violations)
Oregon Tax Court (tax dispute cases involving county residents)
Oregon Court of Appeals and Supreme Court (appeals from Klamath County cases)

These records span multiple case types including civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate proceedings, small claims disputes, and traffic infractions. The maintenance and accessibility of these records are governed by the Oregon Judicial Department's record retention policies and public access rules.

Are Court Records Public In Klamath County

Court records in Klamath County are generally accessible to the public pursuant to Oregon's Public Records Law, ORS § 192.314, which establishes the presumption that government records, including court documents, shall be available for public inspection. This right of access is further reinforced by Article I, Section 10 of the Oregon Constitution, which mandates that "justice shall be administered openly."

The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

Civil case files (complaints, answers, motions, judgments)
Criminal case files after formal charging
Court dockets and calendars
Final judgments and orders
Probate inventories and accountings
Divorce decrees (excluding certain financial information)
Small claims judgments

However, public access is not absolute. Certain records may be restricted or sealed pursuant to ORS § 192.355, which enumerates specific exemptions from disclosure. Records that may be restricted include:

Juvenile dependency and delinquency proceedings
Adoption records
Mental health commitment proceedings
Grand jury transcripts and materials
Records containing personal identifiers (Social Security numbers, financial account information)
Cases involving minors as victims of crimes
Sealed records pursuant to court order

The Oregon Judicial Department has established Supplementary Local Rules for Klamath County Circuit Court that govern specific procedures for accessing court records. These rules implement the statewide Uniform Trial Court Rules (UTCR) Chapter 3, which addresses record access protocols.

Federal court records pertaining to Klamath County residents are maintained separately through the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon and are subject to federal access rules rather than state provisions.

How To Find Court Records in Klamath County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Klamath County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The Oregon Judicial Department maintains comprehensive systems for record retrieval that accommodate both in-person and remote access options.

For in-person requests, individuals may visit:

Klamath County Circuit Court
316 Main Street
Klamath Falls, Oregon 97601
541-883-5503
Klamath County Circuit Court

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding court holidays)

The procedure for in-person requests includes:

Completing a records request form available at the court clerk's office
Providing case number, party names, or other identifying information
Presenting valid photo identification
Paying applicable copy fees ($0.25 per page for standard copies)
Allowing processing time for record retrieval from archives if older than three years

For remote requests, individuals may:

Submit a written request via mail to the court address listed above
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for document return
Enclose payment for copy fees (checks payable to "Oregon Judicial Department")
Allow 5-10 business days for processing

Electronic access is available through the Oregon Judicial Department's online records portal, which provides case information and document access for non-confidential records. Registration may be required for full document access.

For certified copies of court records, requestors must specifically indicate this requirement on their request form and pay the certification fee ($5.00 per document in addition to copy fees).

Pursuant to ORS § 21.245, certain fees may be waived for indigent requestors who complete a fee waiver application demonstrating financial hardship.

How To Look Up Court Records in Klamath County Online?

Klamath County court records are accessible through several online platforms maintained by the Oregon Judicial Department. These electronic systems provide varying levels of access to case information and documents based on case type and confidentiality status.

The primary online resource is the Oregon Judicial Case Information Network (OJCIN), which includes two main components:

Oregon eCourt Case Information (OECI) This system provides access to circuit court cases filed in Klamath County. Users may search by:
- Case number
- Party name
- Attorney name
- Filing date range
The system displays:
- Case summary information
- Party details
- Register of actions (docket entries)
- Hearing schedules
- Judgment information
Access to OECI requires registration and subscription fees for full document viewing, though basic case information is available at no cost.
Oregon eCourt Circuit Court Calendars The public calendar search allows users to view scheduled court proceedings in Klamath County by:
- Date range
- Case type
- Judicial officer
- Attorney name
This resource is particularly useful for determining hearing dates and courtroom assignments.

For appellate cases originating in Klamath County, the Oregon Appellate Court Case Management System (ACMS) provides access to Supreme Court and Court of Appeals cases. This system is accessible through the Oregon Judicial Department website.

To conduct an online search:

Navigate to the Oregon Judicial Department Records and Calendar Search
Select the appropriate search option (OECI or Appellate)
Enter search criteria (minimum of three characters for name searches)
Review search results and select specific cases for detailed information
For document access, register for a subscription account if required

Certain case types and documents may not be available online due to confidentiality restrictions pursuant to Oregon Uniform Trial Court Rule 3.190, which governs electronic access limitations.

How To Search Klamath County Court Records for Free?

Klamath County residents and other interested parties may access certain court records without incurring fees through several channels established pursuant to ORS § 192.324, which provides for reasonable opportunities to inspect public records.

Free access options include:

In-Person Inspection The public may visit the Klamath County Circuit Court during regular business hours to review non-confidential court files at no charge. The procedure involves:
- Completing a records request form at the clerk's office
- Providing case identification information
- Reviewing materials in designated public areas
- Returning all documents to court staff upon completion
While inspection is free, copy fees apply if reproductions are requested.
Public Access Terminals Computer terminals are available at the courthouse for searching the Oregon eCourt Case Information system:

Klamath County Courthouse
316 Main Street
Klamath Falls, Oregon 97601

These terminals provide free access to basic case information and register of actions. Document viewing may require payment.
Online Basic Case Information The Oregon Judicial Department's Find a Case service provides free access to:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Party names
- Case type and status
- Scheduled hearings
- Judgment information
This service does not include access to actual document images but provides essential case tracking information.
Public Court Calendars Daily court schedules for Klamath County Circuit Court are available at no cost through the Oregon eCourt Circuit Court Calendars system, allowing users to view upcoming hearings and trials.
Klamath County Law Library Located within the courthouse, the law library provides public access to certain court records and legal research materials at no charge during designated hours.

While these free options provide significant access to court information, users should note that comprehensive document access and certified copies typically require payment of statutory fees. Additionally, certain confidential case types remain inaccessible through public search methods regardless of fee payment.

What's Included in a Klamath County Court Record?

Klamath County court records contain comprehensive documentation of judicial proceedings, with contents varying by case type. These records are maintained in accordance with Oregon Uniform Trial Court Rules Chapter 3, which establishes standards for court record composition and retention.

Civil case records typically include:

Complaint or petition initiating the action
Summons and proof of service documentation
Defendant's answer or response
Motions and supporting memoranda
Affidavits and declarations
Discovery documents filed with the court
Exhibits admitted into evidence
Transcripts of hearings and trials
Court orders and rulings
Final judgment
Post-judgment motions and orders
Notice of appeal (if applicable)

Criminal case records generally contain:

Charging instrument (indictment, information, or complaint)
Arraignment documentation
Bail or release agreements
Pre-trial motions and orders
Discovery materials filed with the court
Plea agreements
Trial exhibits and transcripts
Verdict forms
Pre-sentence investigation reports (access restricted)
Judgment of conviction or acquittal
Sentencing orders
Probation terms and conditions
Appeal documentation

Family law cases typically include:

Petition for dissolution, custody, or support
Financial disclosure statements (access may be restricted)
Parenting plans
Child support worksheets
Mediation agreements
Temporary orders
Final dissolution judgment
Custody and visitation determinations
Property division documentation
Post-judgment modification requests

Probate records generally contain:

Petition for probate or appointment of personal representative
Death certificate (access restricted)
Will (if testate estate)
Inventory of estate assets
Creditor claims
Accounting reports
Distribution plans
Orders approving distributions
Final accounting
Closing statements

Each court record also includes a register of actions (docket sheet) that chronologically lists all events and filings in the case, serving as an index to the complete case file. This register is typically the most accessible component of the court record and provides a roadmap to the case's procedural history.

How Long Does Klamath County Keep Court Records?

Klamath County Circuit Court maintains court records according to the Oregon Judicial Department's records retention schedule, which is established pursuant to ORS § 8.125. This statute authorizes the State Court Administrator to establish minimum retention periods for court records.

The retention periods vary by case type and document category:

Criminal Cases:

Felony case files: 75 years from date of final disposition
Misdemeanor case files: 25 years from date of final disposition
Violation case files: 10 years from date of final disposition
Capital punishment cases: Permanent retention
Exhibits in criminal cases: Retained until appeal period expires plus 30 days

Civil Cases:

General civil litigation: 10 years after entry of final judgment
Domestic relations cases: 30 years after entry of judgment
Probate proceedings: 10 years after estate closing
Guardianship/conservatorship: 10 years after termination of protective proceedings
Small claims: 10 years after judgment
Forcible entry and detainer: 10 years after judgment
Civil exhibits: Returned to parties after appeal period expires

Other Records:

Judgment dockets: 50 years from date of entry
Jury records: 2 years after jury service
Court calendars: 2 years after creation
Recordings of proceedings: 3 years after creation
Grand jury records: 10 years after proceedings conclude

After the designated retention period expires, records may be:

Transferred to the State Archives for historical cases
Destroyed according to approved destruction protocols
Digitized with the physical copies subsequently destroyed

The Oregon Judicial Department periodically reviews and updates the retention schedule to address changing legal requirements and technological capabilities. The current schedule was last comprehensively updated in 2019.

Parties seeking access to older records should note that retrieval times may be extended if records have been transferred to off-site storage or archives. Some historical records may have been microfilmed or digitized, potentially affecting the format in which they can be accessed.

Types of Courts In Klamath County

Klamath County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and authority. These courts operate within Oregon's unified court system under the administrative oversight of the Oregon Judicial Department.

Klamath County Circuit Court
316 Main Street
Klamath Falls, Oregon 97601
541-883-5503
Klamath County Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Circuit Court is the court of general jurisdiction in Klamath County, handling major civil cases, felony criminal matters, domestic relations cases, probate proceedings, and juvenile matters. It is organized into specialized departments including criminal, civil, family, probate, and juvenile.

Klamath County Justice Court
305 Main Street, Suite 216
Klamath Falls, Oregon 97601
541-883-5566
Klamath County Justice Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Justice Court handles minor criminal matters (violations and certain misdemeanors), small claims cases (up to $10,000), landlord-tenant disputes, and traffic violations occurring in unincorporated areas of Klamath County.

Klamath Falls Municipal Court
500 Klamath Avenue
Klamath Falls, Oregon 97601
541-883-5361
Klamath Falls Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Municipal Court has jurisdiction over violations of city ordinances, traffic infractions, and certain misdemeanors occurring within Klamath Falls city limits.

Oregon Tax Court (Statewide jurisdiction including Klamath County)
1163 State Street
Salem, Oregon 97301
503-986-5645
Oregon Tax Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Tax Court handles appeals of property tax assessments and other tax-related matters affecting Klamath County residents.

Appeals from Klamath County Circuit Court decisions are heard by:

Oregon Court of Appeals
1163 State Street
Salem, Oregon 97301
503-986-5555
Oregon Court of Appeals
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Oregon Supreme Court
1163 State Street
Salem, Oregon 97301
503-986-5555
Oregon Supreme Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Federal cases involving Klamath County residents are heard in:

United States District Court - Medford Division
310 West Sixth Street, Room 201
Medford, Oregon 97501
541-608-8777
U.S. District Court, District of Oregon
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

What Types of Cases Do Klamath County Courts Hear?

Klamath County's court system adjudicates a diverse range of legal matters distributed among its various courts based on subject matter jurisdiction and case severity. Each court within the county handles specific categories of cases as prescribed by Oregon law.

The Klamath County Circuit Court, as the court of general jurisdiction, presides over:

Criminal Cases
- Felony prosecutions (Class A, B, and C felonies)
- Serious misdemeanors
- Criminal appeals from lower courts
- Post-conviction relief proceedings
- Extradition matters
Civil Litigation
- Cases involving claims exceeding $10,000
- Real property disputes
- Contract controversies
- Personal injury and tort claims
- Civil appeals from lower courts
- Administrative agency appeals
Family Law Matters
- Dissolution of marriage proceedings
- Child custody and parenting time determinations
- Child and spousal support establishment and modification
- Paternity actions
- Adoption proceedings
- Juvenile dependency cases
- Termination of parental rights
- Guardianships of minors
Probate and Estate Matters
- Formal and informal probate proceedings
- Will contests
- Trust administration disputes
- Guardianships and conservatorships for adults
- Mental health commitments

The Klamath County Justice Court handles:

Traffic violations in unincorporated areas
Boating and wildlife violations
Minor misdemeanors punishable by maximum fines of $1,250
Small claims cases up to $10,000
Forcible entry and detainer (eviction) proceedings
Civil disputes up to $10,000

The Klamath Falls Municipal Court adjudicates:

Violations of city ordinances
Traffic infractions occurring within city limits
Parking violations
Certain misdemeanors committed within city boundaries
City code enforcement matters

Specialized proceedings may be directed to particular courts or court divisions:

Juvenile delinquency matters are heard in the Juvenile Department of the Circuit Court
Drug court and mental health court programs operate as specialized dockets within the Circuit Court
Domestic violence cases may be assigned to dedicated judicial officers with specialized training

Cases involving federal law or constitutional questions may be heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon, which maintains jurisdiction over Klamath County for federal matters.

How To Find a Court Docket In Klamath County

Court dockets in Klamath County provide chronological listings of all proceedings and filings in court cases. These records are accessible through several methods established by the Oregon Judicial Department.

The most efficient method for accessing current docket information is through the Oregon Judicial Department's online records system. This platform allows users to search for cases and view docket entries through the following steps:

Navigate to the Oregon eCourt Case Information (OECI) portal
Select "Klamath County" from the court location dropdown menu
Enter search criteria (case number, party name, or attorney)
Review search results and select the specific case
Access the "Register of Actions" tab to view the complete docket

For upcoming court proceedings, the Oregon eCourt Circuit Court Calendars system provides searchable docket information organized by:

Date range
Judicial officer
Case type
Attorney name
Party name

This calendar search is particularly useful for determining scheduled hearings, trials, and other court appearances.

For in-person docket access, individuals may visit:

Klamath County Circuit Court
316 Main Street
Klamath Falls, Oregon 97601
541-883-5503

Public access computer terminals at this location provide free access to docket information for non-confidential cases. Court staff can assist with navigating the system during regular business hours.

For cases in the Klamath County Justice Court, docket information may be obtained by:

Visiting the Justice Court in person at:

Klamath County Justice Court
305 Main Street, Suite 216
Klamath Falls, Oregon 97601
541-883-5566
Calling the court clerk during business hours
Submitting a written request with case identifying information

Historical docket information for older cases may require a formal records request if the case has been archived. Such requests typically involve:

Completing a records request form
Providing specific case information
Allowing additional processing time for retrieval
Paying applicable search and copy fees

Pursuant to Oregon Uniform Trial Court Rule 3.190, certain case types have restricted docket access, including juvenile proceedings, adoption cases, and mental health commitments. Access to these dockets requires demonstration of legal interest or court authorization.

Which Courts in Klamath County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Klamath County's judicial system, certain courts operate as "courts not of record," meaning they do not maintain official verbatim transcripts of their proceedings. This distinction is established by ORS § 51.020, which defines the record-keeping requirements for various courts within Oregon's judicial framework.

The primary courts not of record in Klamath County include:

Klamath County Justice Court
305 Main Street, Suite 216
Klamath Falls, Oregon 97601
541-883-5566
Klamath County Justice Court

As a justice court, this tribunal handles minor offenses and small claims but does not create verbatim transcripts of proceedings. While written documentation of outcomes and judgments is maintained, the actual testimony and arguments presented are not recorded word-for-word. This court maintains:

Written judgments and orders
Case files with submitted documents
Docket entries noting actions taken
Financial records of fines and fees

Klamath Falls Municipal Court
500 Klamath Avenue
Klamath Falls, Oregon 97601
541-883-5361

The municipal court similarly functions as a court not of record when adjudicating city ordinance violations and minor offenses. While it maintains documentation of case outcomes, it does not produce official transcripts of proceedings.

The significance of a court's status as "not of record" affects appellate procedures. Appeals from these courts proceed as trials de novo (new trials) in the Klamath County Circuit Court rather than reviews of the lower court record. This means:

The case is heard completely anew in Circuit Court
New evidence may be presented
New testimony may be taken
The Circuit Court is not bound by the lower court's findings

By contrast, the Klamath County Circuit Court operates as a court of record pursuant to ORS § 7.010, which requires the maintenance of a record of all proceedings. This court creates and preserves:

Verbatim recordings or transcripts of all hearings and trials
Comprehensive exhibits registers
Detailed docket entries
Complete files of all submitted documents

Appeals from the Circuit Court to higher courts are based on the official record created during proceedings, with appellate review limited to evidence and arguments presented at the trial level.