Malheur County Felony Records Database
Malheur County felony records are filed at the 9th Judicial District Circuit Court in Vale. Malheur County was established in 1887 and is the second largest county in Oregon. It is the only Oregon county in the Mountain Time Zone, tied to Idaho's Snake River Valley. The county name comes from "Riviere au Malheur," meaning Unfortunate River, named by French trappers in the 1820s. All felony cases in Malheur County go through this court.
Malheur County Quick Facts
Malheur County Circuit Court
The Malheur County Circuit Court is part of the 9th Judicial District. Presiding Judge Lung S. Hung and Judge Erin K. Landis handle all felony cases. Two judges serve the second largest county in Oregon. The court is in Vale, which won the county seat over Jordan Valley and Ontario in 1888.
Malheur County has had three courthouses. The first was built in 1887 for $1,400. A sandstone building replaced it in 1902 at a cost of $10,000. The current red brick courthouse opened in 1958 and still serves the county today. All felony records for Malheur County are stored at this location in Vale.
| Court |
Malheur County Circuit Court 9th Judicial District Vale, OR |
|---|---|
| Presiding Judge | Lung S. Hung |
| Other Judge | Erin K. Landis |
Search Malheur County Records
You can search Malheur County felony records through the Oregon eCourt Case Information system. Enter a name or case number to find case details. The system covers all Oregon circuit courts, including Malheur County. A small fee applies for full case views.
The Oregon Courts directory can help you find the right court for your search. For Malheur County felony records, the Vale courthouse is your contact point. Keep in mind that Malheur County runs on Mountain Time, not Pacific Time like the rest of Oregon. Call during their business hours to reach court staff.
The Oregon State Police criminal history database also includes Malheur County felony records. This statewide system lets you search across all counties at once.
Note: Malheur County is the only Oregon county in the Mountain Time Zone, so plan calls accordingly.
Malheur County Sheriff Office
Sheriff Travis Johnson leads the Malheur County Sheriff's Office. He was appointed on April 4, 2023. Undersheriff David Kesey serves as second in command. The office mission is to provide public safety services and to do the right thing at the right time for the right reason.
The sheriff's office is at 151 "B" St. West in Vale, OR 97918. You can reach them at (541) 473-5126 or by fax at (541) 473-5504. The office runs several divisions tied to felony cases in Malheur County:
- Criminal division with marine and patrol units
- 911 Dispatch and Civil services
- Jail operations with 104-bed capacity
- Parole and Probation oversight
- Emergency Management and Search and Rescue
Malheur County Felony Enforcement
The Malheur County Sheriff's Office employs 3 sergeants and 12 deputies for patrol and criminal work. Five law enforcement technicians support the team. The sheriff staff page lists key contacts. Rich Harriman manages Emergency and 911 services. Rachel Reyna runs the jail. Jim St. Michell handles Community Corrections.
The Malheur County jail has a long history. The first jail was built in 1887 for $5,000 in gold coin. The current facility opened in 1996 at a cost of $4 million. It holds up to 104 prisoners. A physician and two nurses provide medical care. Felony suspects in Malheur County are held here while their cases move through the court.
Note: Malheur County covers 94% rangeland with two-thirds managed by the BLM, creating a vast patrol area for felony enforcement.
Felony Expungement in Malheur County
Some felony records in Malheur County can be set aside under ORS 137.225. Eligible convictions may be expunged after a waiting period. You file a motion with the Malheur County Circuit Court in Vale. The district attorney reviews the request and may object before the judge decides.
Not all felonies qualify. Class A felonies and many person crimes cannot be set aside in Malheur County. If granted, the felony record is sealed from public view. The Oregon corrections offender search may still show some data. Check ORS 181A.220 for rules on how Oregon maintains criminal records after expungement.
Malheur County Background
Malheur County sits on the Oregon Trail and has deep roots in the state's history. The county government website provides access to many services. The county is 94% rangeland. Two-thirds of the land is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The Western Treasure Valley area is irrigated farmland.
Malheur County grows more onions, sugar beets, and alfalfa hay than any other county in Oregon. This rural character shapes the county and its court system. The county offers a free Property Recording Alert Service for residents who want to track changes to their property records. Vale has served as the county seat since beating out Jordan Valley and Ontario in 1888.
Nearby Counties
Malheur County borders Baker County, Harney County, and Grant County. Felony cases are filed in the county where the crime took place. If you are not sure which county holds the records you need, check the arrest location. Each county keeps its own felony case files at its circuit court.