UNION COUNTY PUBLIC RECORDS

What are Union County Public Records?

Per Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 192.005, public records are any means of information owned, prepared, retained, or used by a public body to satisfy legal, fiscal, historical, or administrative policies, requirements, or needs. Public records can be in the form of books, maps, papers, photographs, films, recordings, electronically formatted documents, or other documentary materials. Public records do not include the following:

• Additional copies of a document kept only for convenience or reference purposes
• A stock of publications
• Unrecorded spoken communication
• Messages on voicemail

Per ORS 192.314, everyone has a right to request any public record of a public agency in Oregon, except as otherwise expressly provided by the law. However, there are some records that cannot be disclosed to the public. For instance, the public cannot obtain the following types of records:

• Personal identification information of a person under 16 years submitted to the State Fish and Wildlife Commission or the commission's agent to get a permit, tag, or license under the wildlife laws.
• Records of the Department of Corrections that can affect offenders' rehabilitation if disclosed.
• Records that reveal that an individual is using library materials and personal details of library patrons, including names, addresses, telephone numbers, and mail addresses.
• Any public information or record whose disclosure is prohibited by federal law or regulations.
• Confidential information not required by law to be submitted and can affect the public interest.

Public records are also available on non-government websites. These third-party platforms have intuitive tools that allow for extensive searches where record seekers search for specific or multiple records. However, requestors will need to provide sufficient information like the subject's name, the requestor's address, care or file number, the location of the document or subject, and the current or last known address of the registrant to assist with the search. Third-party sites may have different record availability and results because government agencies do not sponsor them.

Union County Crime Statistics

The Oregon State Police provided Uniform Crime Reporting Data submitted by law enforcement agencies in the state in 2020. The data revealed that about 3,983 distinct offenses were recorded in Union County. The breakdown of the highest offense types includes:

• 905 larceny and theft offenses
• 559 vandalism incidence
• 403 part 3 offenses
• 353 all other offenses
• 206 burglaries
• 206 simple assault cases
• 174 drug/narcotic offenses
• 167 DUI crimes
• 164 traffic crimes
• 147 fraud offenses
• 110 disorderly conducts
• 105 motor vehicle thefts
• 101 weapon law violations

Are Union County Criminal Records Public?

Yes, Union County criminal records are public records per the Oregon Public Records Law. Thus, record seekers can request a copy of the criminal records of any offender in the County. Additionally, criminal records are available at the Oregon State Police’s Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division.

Although criminal records are public records, selected records may not be available to the general public. For instance, criminal records can be withheld if such records are part of active criminal investigations, and disclosing them may undermine investigators’ efforts. Also, criminal records will not be disclosed if they put a third party’s safety at risk.

How to Obtain Union County Police Reports and Arrest Records?

Union County police reports and arrest records are available at the Union County Sheriff's Office. Record seekers requesting these records would have to provide specific details like the names of involved persons, incident description, incident date, and the names of officers in charge. Typically, police reports and arrest records include information like:

• The arrested person's biographical information, including name, age, employment, address, and marital status
• The circumstances of the arrest (including place, time, pursuit, resistance, and weapons used)
• The arrested person's offense
• The complaining party and victim's identity and biographical information
• The conditions of release
• The investigating and arresting agency’s identity
• The length of the investigation

Interested persons can request Union County police reports and arrest records by mail or in person at:

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

How to Find Sex Offender Information in Union County

The Oregon State Police is responsible for making sex offenders' information accessible to the public in accordance with the Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 163A. However, sex offender information may not be disclosed if the offender is under the supervision of the Psychiatric Security Review Board (PSRB).

Union County residents can find important information on Level 3 sex offenders at the Oregon State Police Sex Offender Registry Section. Interested persons can get information regarding other sex offenders by contacting the Oregon State Police (OSP) at (503) 934-1258 or Sexoffender.Questions@osp.oregon.gov. Record seekers can also obtain information about sex offenders through the National Sex Offender Public Website. Users can search for sex offenders by name or location. Using the name option to search for sex violators requires that requestors provide the offender's first and last name in the appropriate fields. Interested parties may conduct location searches by entering an address, city, state, and mile in the appropriate fields.

How to Find Union County Inmate Records

Union County inmate records are available at the Union County Sheriff's Office. In addition, the sheriff's office maintains a current jail roster where record seekers can find information about inmates in Union County jail. Inmate records contain inmates' full names, charges, bonds, arrest agencies, and jail numbers.

How Do I Visit an Inmate in Union County Jail?

All visitors must make prior appointments to visit the Union County Correctional Facility (UCCF) on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Prospective visitors are to schedule a visit call at (541) 963-1020 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. All inmates are entitled to three (3) visits per week, and only one adult is allowed to visit during each visit. The adult visitor can be accompanied by minor children as long as they are blood relatives.

Union County jail visitations are non-contact visits, and visitors cannot give or pass anything to the inmates. However, the best way to get approved items to the inmate is through the mail. Visitors can send items like cards, socks, paperback books, underwear, and t-shirts to:

Inmate Name
c/o Union County Correctional Facility
1109 K Ave.
La Grande, OR 97850
Phone: (541) 963-1020

Court Records

The available court systems in Union County are circuit court, municipal courts, and justice court. A circuit court is a court of general jurisdiction where all criminal and civil matters like a felony, collection, misdemeanor, personal injury, traffic, probate, and juvenile are tried. A municipal court is a court with limited jurisdiction that handles minor traffic violations, parking violations, and ordinance violations in Union County. Finally, the justice court is a court of limited jurisdiction that handles minor civil and criminal actions, small claims, and some felony preliminaries. Union County courts are located at:

Union County Circuit Court
Union County Courthouse
1105 K Avenue,
La Grande, OR 97850
Phone: (541) 962-9500

Elgin Municipal Court
180 North 8th Avenue,
P.O. Box 128,
Elgin, OR 97827
Phone: (541) 437-2253

La Grande Municipal Court
1000 Adams Avenue,
P.O. Box 670,
La Grande, OR 97850
Phone: (541) 962-1314

Union Municipal Court
342 South Main Street,
P.O. Box 529,
Union, OR 97883
Phone: (541) 562-5197
Fax: (541) 562-5196

Union County Justice Court
10605 Island Avenue,
Island City, OR 97850
Phone: (541) 962-2997
Email: ucjc@union-county.org

Are Union County Court Records Public?

Yes, Union County court records are public. Per Oregon Public Records Law, everyone in Union County has the right to inspect any public record of a public body. However, court records containing confidential or sensitive information may not be available to the general public.

How to Obtain Union County Civil Court Case Records

Union County civil court case records are available at the Union County Circuit Court. Interested parties must provide applications containing civil court case details, including names, charge information, court dates, and other related details. All requests can be submitted by mail or in person alongside the necessary application fees to:

Union County Circuit Court
Union County Courthouse
1105 K Avenue,
La Grande, OR 97850
Phone: (541) 962-9500

How to Obtain Union County Criminal Court Records

Union County criminal court records are available at the Union County Circuit Court. Record seekers must be willing to provide specific information such as names, charge details, dates, and the court’s final disposition. Some criminal court records may be unavailable to the general public for confidential or sensitive reasons. Also, individuals would need a court order to access sealed court records. Requestors can apply for criminal court records by mail or in person. They must submit requests with the necessary application fees to the Union County Circuit Court’s Office.

What are Union County Vital Records?

Vital records are reports of deaths (including fetal deaths), births, marriages, divorces, declarations of domestic partnerships, and related data that have been registered and incorporated into the official records of the Oregon Center for Health Statistics. Vital records are available at the Oregon Vital Records office, also known as the Center for Health Statistics (CHS). This office works in accordance with the Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) and Administrative Rule. Record seekers can request vital records in Union County in the following ways:

• Internet: Individuals can order vital records online through the third-party vendor provided by the Oregon Vital Record Office. This costs a $43.25 non-refundable fee for the first record and $25.00 for each additional copy of the same record. $25.00 will be charged for a different record as part of a group order, and payment must be made by credit/debit card.
• Telephone: Interested persons can call (888) 896-4988 to order vital records, and this costs a non-refundable fee of $25 for one record search and $25 for additional copies of the same record ordered simultaneously. Payment must be made by credit/debit card only.
• Regular mail: Interested persons should send complete Vital Record Order Forms alongside a photocopy of their IDs or alternative documents with the necessary fees to the Oregon Vital Records Office. A mail-order costs a non-refundable fee of $25 for one record search and about $25 for additional copies of the same record ordered simultaneously. Payments can be made via money order or check; cash payments are not allowed.
• Rush mail: Download the Vital Record Order Form and mail it to the Oregon Vital Records Office through any overnight delivery service. Rush mail orders cost a $25 non-refundable fee for one record search, and a $25 fee for additional copies of the same record ordered simultaneously. Payments can be made by money order.
• Drop box: Submit the Vital Record Order Forms alongside the necessary fees and required documents in a sealed envelope in the drop box at the Oregon State Office Building. The necessary fees include a non-refundable $25 fee for one record search and $25 for additional copies of the same record ordered simultaneously. Payments must be made by money order or check; cash payments are not allowed.
• In-person: Interested persons must schedule an appointment online before going to the Oregon Vital Records Office. Appointments usually take 30 minutes, and individuals are expected to check-in 5 minutes before their appointment. Early arrivals may have to wait outside the building until their scheduled appointment, and late arrivals may be asked to reschedule. In-person applicants must pay a non-refundable fee of $28 for one record search and $25 for additional copies of the same record ordered simultaneously. Payments can be made by cash, check/ money order, and debit/credit card.

All vital record applicants in Union County must submit a valid or alternative photo ID. The identification requirements include but are not limited to:

• Valid driver's license, permit, or ID card
• State or federal government ID badge
• Passport
• US Armed Services ID Card
• Current student body card
• Consulate Card
• Tribal Membership or ID card
• Permanent Resident Card
• Auto insurance policy
• Vehicle registration or title
• Citizen ID with photo

Where and How to Obtain Union County Divorce Records

Divorce records are legal documents that serve as proof that a marriage has been legally and officially dissolved. In Union County, divorce records typically include divorce decrees and divorce certificates. Divorce decrees are court documents that contain the terms of the divorce case, including child custody and visitation, spousal support, child support, property division, and other information. Divorce decrees are available at the Union County Circuit Court.

A divorce certificate does not include all the information contained in the decree but may be used as proof of divorce. Typically, divorce records have a 50 years access restriction. Only the divorced parties, their immediate family members and legal representatives, and government agencies are eligible to obtain divorce certificates in Union County. Record seekers must provide the following information during application:

• The divorced parties' full name at birth
• Date and place of divorce
• Name of the requestor and relationship with the divorced parties
• Requestor's signature if ordering by mail

Divorce certificates can be obtained online, by telephone at (888) 896-4988, by mail, in-person, by rush mail, and by drop box. Mail applicants are required to submit a completed Divorce Record Order Form in English or Spanish to:

Oregon Vital Records
P.O. Box 14050
Portland, OR 97293

In-person applicants are required to schedule appointments and check-in early on the first floor of the vital records office at:

Oregon Vital Records
Portland State Office Building
800 NE Oregon Street, Suite 205
Portland, OR 97232

Where and How to Get Public Union County Marriage Records

A marriage record is a type of vital record that certifies that a couple are legally married. Union County marriage records are available at the Oregon Vital Records Office. Marriage records have a 50 years access restriction and are only accessible to the couples whose names are on the record, immediate family members, legal representatives, and government agencies. Requestors would have to provide the following information during the application:

• The couple's full name at birth
• Date and place of marriage
• Name of the requestor and relationship with the couples.
• Requestor's signature if ordering by mail

Marriage records can be obtained online, by telephone at (888) 896-4988, by mail, in-person, by rush mail, and by dropbox. Mail applicants are required to submit a completed Marriage Record Order Form in English or Spanish. Record seekers who wish to apply in person are required to schedule appointments and check-in early on the first floor of the vital records office.

Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Union County

Per ORS 192.314, everyone has a right to inspect any public record of a public body in Oregon. Hence, all marriage records in Union County are considered public records.

Where and How to Find Union County Birth Records

A birth record is an official record that documents the birth of an individual, including the date and place of birth and the parent's names. Union County birth records are available at the Oregon Vital Records Office. Birth certificates in Union County have a 100 years access restriction. Only the record owner, immediate family members, legal representatives, and government agencies qualify to access birth records. Requesters are to provide the following information while requesting birth certificates:

• Full name of the person on the birth record
• Date and place of birth
• Father's full name
• Mother's full maiden name
• The reason for ordering the record
• Requester's signature if ordering by mail

Birth records can be obtained online, by telephone at (888) 896-4988, by mail, in-person, by rush mail, and by drop box. Request seekers must submit an approved proof of identification alongside the necessary fees while applying for birth certificates in Union County. In addition, mail applicants are required to submit a completed Birth Record Order Form in English or Spanish. Any individual who wants to apply for a birth certificate in person should schedule an appointment and check in early on the first floor of the vital records office.

Where and How to Find Union County Death Records

A death record is a type of vital record that certifies the death of an individual. Record seekers can find certified copies of death certificates of deaths that occurred within the past six (6) months at their local health departments. However, death certificates of deaths that occurred after six (6) months are available at the Oregon Vital Records Office. The Oregon Vital Records Office has records of deaths from 1978 to date. Death certificates in Union County have a 50 years access restriction, and only the decedent's immediate family members, government agencies, legal representatives, and individuals with a personal or property right are eligible to request death records. Requesters are to provide the following information while requesting death certificates:

• Decedent’s full name
• Date and place of death
• Decedent's date of birth
• Requestor's name and relationship to the decedent
• Requestor's signature if ordering by mail

Record seekers can request death certificates online, by telephone at (888) 896-4988, by mail, in-person, by rush mail, and by drop box. Individuals must submit applications alongside a valid ID and application fees. In addition, mail applicants are required to submit a completed Death Record Order Form in English or Spanish. In-person applicants are required to schedule appointments and check in early on the first floor of the vital records office.