Access Wasco County Felony Records

Wasco County felony records are maintained at the Circuit Court in The Dalles. Named for the Wascopam Indian Tribe, Wasco County was created in 1854. At its creation, it was the largest county ever formed in the United States, stretching from the Cascade Range to the Rocky Mountains. Today the county seat is The Dalles, located along the Columbia River Gorge. The Circuit Court handles all felony criminal cases filed in Wasco County. Court staff assist the public with records searches and copy requests.

Wasco County Circuit Court

The Wasco County Circuit Court is where all felony records are filed and stored. The courthouse sits at 511 Washington Street in The Dalles. This historic building was built in 1914 and still serves the county today. The Trial Court Administrator is Rian Beach.

Court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM. Call 541-506-2700 to reach the clerk's office. Staff can look up felony records by name or case number. You can visit in person to review case files or request copies of felony records from Wasco County.

Note: Wasco County follows the standard statewide fee schedule for copies of court records, including felony case documents.

Searching Wasco County Felony Records

There are two main ways to search for felony records in Wasco County. Online searches use the Oregon eCourt Case Information system. In-person searches happen at the courthouse in The Dalles. Both methods give you access to felony case records from Wasco County.

The Oregon eCourt system lets you search by party name or case number. It covers all Oregon circuit courts. You will find basic case information for felony filings in Wasco County through this tool. There is a small fee for detailed records. For copies of actual court documents, contact the clerk at the Wasco County courthouse.

In-person visits let you review the full case file. Bring your ID to the courthouse. The clerk can pull felony records and let you view them at the records counter. You can request plain or certified copies of any document in the file. This is the best option if you need to see all the details of a Wasco County felony case.

Wasco County Court Records

The Wasco County court records office handles requests for felony case documents. Each felony case creates a file that contains the charging document, plea records, motions, hearing notes, and the final judgment. These files are public records under Oregon law.

Wasco County has deep roots in Oregon history. Seventeen other Eastern Oregon counties were carved from the original Wasco County territory. The courthouse has records going back many years. Older felony records may be stored in a different format or location, but the clerk can still find them. Allow extra time for searches of older Wasco County felony records.

A typical felony record in Wasco County contains:

• The indictment or information charging document
• Plea and arraignment records
• Motions filed by both sides
• Court orders and hearing results
• Sentencing judgment and conditions

Criminal History Checks

Beyond the Wasco County courthouse, you can search for felony records through the Oregon State Police. The Criminal Justice Information Services unit runs background checks that cover all counties in the state. This search returns criminal history data from Wasco County and every other Oregon county.

Oregon law at ORS 181A.220 sets the rules for criminal records access. Most felony records are public. Some records may be restricted based on the type of case or the status of the person involved. Juvenile felony records, for instance, are not open to the public in Wasco County or elsewhere in Oregon.

Wasco County Jail Records

Wasco County is part of the NORCOR regional jail system. This facility serves four counties: Gilliam, Hood River, Sherman, and Wasco. People arrested on felony charges in Wasco County are held at NORCOR. The jail maintains its own set of booking and custody records separate from the court.

Jail records and court records are different. The court file tracks the legal case from charge to verdict. Jail records track custody, booking details, and release dates. For felony court records in Wasco County, contact the Circuit Court clerk. For jail or booking records, contact NORCOR directly.

Note: NORCOR booking records do not replace court records for Wasco County felony cases, as they serve different purposes.

Felony Record Expungement

Certain felony records in Wasco County may qualify for expungement. Oregon law under ORS 137.225 allows some convicted persons to have their records set aside. The rules depend on the type of felony and how much time has passed since the conviction. Class A felonies and certain serious crimes do not qualify.

To start the process, file a motion with the Wasco County Circuit Court. The court reviews the request and may hold a hearing. If the motion is granted, the Wasco County felony record is sealed. You can also check the Oregon Department of Corrections offender search for related records. This tool shows current and past inmates from all Oregon counties, including those with felony convictions in Wasco County.

About Wasco County

Wasco County sits along the Columbia River in north-central Oregon. The Dalles is the county seat and largest city. The area is known for its cherry orchards and dry climate. The Columbia River Gorge runs along the county's northern border. The Wasco County government website has more information about county services and departments.

Despite its rich history, Wasco County today is a mid-sized county. The court handles a moderate number of felony cases each year. Records are well organized and staff are helpful. Whether you search online or visit the courthouse in The Dalles, you can access Wasco County felony records through the public records system.

Nearby Counties

Wasco County borders Hood River County, Sherman County, Jefferson County, and Wheeler County. Felony cases are filed in the county where the offense took place. If you are unsure which county applies, check the location of the incident. Each county court keeps its own set of felony records.