Multnomah County Circuit Court: A Comprehensive Guide
Multnomah County Circuit Court is one of the largest trial courts in Oregon. It is a state court of general jurisdiction, which means it has the authority to hear both criminal and civil cases. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to the Multnomah County Circuit Court, including its history, structure, jurisdiction, and services.
History of Multnomah County Circuit Court
Multnomah County Circuit Court was established in 1854, shortly after Oregon became a state. The court was initially known as the District Court of the First Judicial District of Oregon. It was renamed as the Multnomah County Circuit Court in 1961. The court has since undergone several structural and operational changes to improve efficiency and provide better services to the public.
Structure of Multnomah County Circuit Court
The Multnomah County Circuit Court has a complex structure that includes several departments, divisions, and branches. The court is headed by a Chief Judge, who is responsible for the overall administration of the court. The Chief Judge is assisted by several other judges, including Associate Judges, Pro Tem Judges, and Senior Judges. The court also has a separate Probate Department, which handles probate, guardianship, and conservatorship cases.
Jurisdiction of Multnomah County Circuit Court
The Multnomah County Circuit Court has jurisdiction over all cases that arise within the county. It has the authority to hear both criminal and civil cases, including felony and misdemeanor cases, civil lawsuits, and family law matters. The court also has the authority to issue restraining orders, search warrants, and other legal orders.
Types of Cases Handled by Multnomah County Circuit Court
The Multnomah County Circuit Court handles a wide range of cases, including:
Criminal Cases
The court hears all criminal cases that arise within the county, including felony and misdemeanor cases. This includes cases such as:
- Assault
- Domestic violence
- Drug offenses
- DUI/DWI
- Theft and property crimes
- Homicide
- Sex offenses
- Traffic violations
Civil Cases
The court also handles civil cases, which involve disputes between individuals, organizations, or businesses. This includes cases such as:
- Personal injury
- Contract disputes
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Employment law matters
- Family law matters, including divorce and child custody cases
- Probate, guardianship, and conservatorship cases
Services Offered by Multnomah County Circuit Court
The Multnomah County Circuit Court provides a variety of services to the public, including:
- Self-help services: The court provides self-help services to assist individuals with representing themselves in court, including help with filling out forms, understanding court procedures, and navigating the legal system.
- Mediation services: The court provides mediation services to help parties resolve disputes without going to trial. Mediation is a voluntary process that is facilitated by a neutral third party.
- Interpreter services: The court provides interpreter services for individuals who require language assistance in court proceedings. This includes American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, as well as interpreters for other languages.
- Mental health court: The court operates a mental health court, which provides services to individuals with mental illness who are involved in the criminal justice system. The goal of the mental health court is to connect individuals with treatment and support services, rather than incarceration.
Judges of Multnomah County Circuit Court
The Multnomah County Circuit Court has 47 judges, who are appointed by the Governor of Oregon and then elected by the voters. The judges serve six-year terms and are required to be members of the Oregon State Bar.
Court Records of Multnomah County Circuit Court
The court maintains a variety of records related to court proceedings, including case files, court orders, and transcripts. These records are generally available to the public, although there may be restrictions on accessing certain types of records, such as juvenile records or sealed records.
Procedures for Filing a Case in Multnomah County Circuit Court
To file a case in Multnomah County Circuit Court, individuals must follow certain procedures, including:
- Filing the appropriate paperwork: Individuals must file the appropriate paperwork to initiate a case, including a complaint, petition, or motion.
- Paying the filing fee: Individuals must pay a filing fee to initiate a case. The amount of the filing fee depends on the type of case being filed.
- Serving the other party: Individuals must serve the other party with the paperwork filed in the case, either by personal service or by mail.
- Attending court hearings: Individuals must attend court hearings as scheduled by the court.
Fees and Payments in Multnomah County Circuit Court
The court charges fees for various services, including filing fees, copy fees, and transcript fees. Individuals may be required to pay these fees at different points throughout the court proceedings. The court accepts various forms of payment, including cash, check, and credit card.
Courtroom Decorum and Rules of Conduct
The Multnomah County Circuit Court has specific rules and procedures for courtroom decorum and conduct. This includes dress codes, restrictions on cell phones and electronic devices, and rules regarding behavior in the courtroom. Failure to comply with these rules can result in fines, contempt charges, or other penalties.
Legal Resources for Multnomah County Circuit Court
The Multnomah County Circuit Court provides a variety of legal resources to the public, including:
- Court forms: The court provides a variety of forms related to court proceedings, including forms for filing a case, requesting a hearing, or requesting a court order.
- Legal aid organizations: The court provides information on legal aid organizations that can assist individuals who cannot afford an attorney.
- Courtroom technology: The court provides technology in the courtroom, including audio and video recording equipment, to assist with court proceedings.
- Courtroom accessibility: The court provides accessibility services for individuals with disabilities, including wheelchair access, assistive listening devices, and sign language interpreters.
Multnomah County Circuit Court Judges:
The Multnomah County Circuit Court has a team of dedicated judges who preside over a wide range of legal matters. The judges are responsible for upholding justice and ensuring that all cases are handled fairly and impartially. There are currently 35 judges serving on the Multnomah County Circuit Court, including Chief Judge Nan Waller.
Each judge brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the bench and is committed to serving the community by providing a fair and efficient legal system. The judges are appointed or elected to serve a six-year term and are subject to retention elections thereafter.
Multnomah County Circuit Court Case Search:
The Multnomah County Circuit Court provides a convenient online case search tool that allows individuals to search for information about court cases. The case search tool provides information about case numbers, parties involved, case types, and case status.
To use the case search tool, individuals can visit the court’s website and enter the case number or the name of one of the parties involved. The tool is updated regularly to ensure that the information is accurate and up-to-date.
Multnomah County Court Cases Today:
Individuals can find information about court cases that are scheduled for the current day on the Multnomah County Circuit Court’s website. The court provides a daily docket that lists all of the cases that are scheduled for that day, along with the time and location of each hearing.
The daily docket is a useful resource for individuals who need to attend court proceedings, as it provides information about when and where a particular case will be heard.
Multnomah County Court:
The Multnomah County Court is part of the Oregon judicial system and is responsible for handling a wide range of legal matters. The court is located in Portland, Oregon and serves the residents of Multnomah County.
The court is divided into several departments, including criminal, civil, family, probate, and juvenile departments. Each department is responsible for handling cases related to its area of expertise.
Multnomah County Court Docket:
The Multnomah County Court docket provides information about court cases that are scheduled for a particular day or time. The docket includes the case number, the parties involved, and the time and location of the hearing.
The docket is typically available online and can be accessed through the court’s website. It is updated regularly to reflect any changes or updates to the court schedule.
Multnomah County Circuit Court Phone Number:
Individuals who need to contact the Multnomah County Circuit Court can do so by calling the court’s main phone number. The phone number is (503) 988-3003 and is available during regular business hours.
The court’s phone system provides options for individuals to reach specific departments or court personnel. It is important to note that the court cannot provide legal advice over the phone.
Clackamas County Circuit Court:
The Clackamas County Circuit Court is part of the Oregon judicial system and is responsible for handling legal matters in Clackamas County. The court is located in Oregon City, Oregon, and serves the residents of Clackamas County.
The court is divided into several departments, including criminal, civil, family, probate, and juvenile departments. Each department is responsible for handling cases related to its area of expertise.
Multnomah County Criminal Court Docket:
The Multnomah County Criminal Court docket provides information about criminal cases that are scheduled for a particular day or time. The docket includes the case number, the parties involved, and the time and location of the hearing.
The docket is typically available online and can be accessed through the court’s website. It is updated regularly to reflect any changes or updates to the court schedule.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Multnomah County Circuit Court is an important institution within the Oregon legal system, providing a variety of services to the public. From criminal to civil cases, the court handles a wide range of legal matters and provides numerous resources and services to help individuals navigate the legal system. With a team of dedicated judges and staff, the Multnomah County Circuit Court is committed to upholding justice and fairness in every case that comes before it.
FAQs
Can I represent myself in court?
Yes, you can represent yourself in court, but it is recommended that you seek legal advice from an attorney to ensure that you understand the legal process and your rights.
What types of cases are heard in Multnomah County Circuit Court?
Multnomah County Circuit Court hears both criminal and civil cases, including felony and misdemeanor cases, personal injury cases, contract disputes, and family law matters.
How do I access court records in Multnomah County Circuit Court?
Court records in Multnomah County Circuit Court are generally available to the public, although there may be restrictions on accessing certain types of records. To access court records, you can visit the court’s website or contact the court directly.
How do I pay court fees in Multnomah County Circuit Court?
Court fees in Multnomah County Circuit Court can be paid using various forms of payment, including cash, check, and credit card. The amount of the fee depends on the type of service being provided.
What are the courtroom rules and procedures in Multnomah County Circuit Court?
Multnomah County Circuit Court has specific rules and procedures for courtroom decorum and conduct. This includes dress codes, restrictions on cell phones and electronic devices, and rules regarding behavior in the courtroom.
