Union County Public Records / Union County Arrest Records

Union County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Union County in 2026

UnionORRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Union County, Oregon. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court data through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party channels may include arrest logs, jail rosters, booking photographs, criminal case filings, and inmate status reports. The completeness and currency of any record depends on the originating agency and applicable disclosure rules.

Records may be searched through official government resources, the county clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by law enforcement agencies. The following resources are currently available for locating arrest records:

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Union County Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible jail roster that reflects current inmate bookings. The jail roster is updated on a rolling basis and displays the name of each person in custody, their booking number, booking date, arresting agency, and the charges filed at the time of arrest. A downloadable roster PDF is also available for those who prefer a static document format. The Sheriff's Office notes that it "disclaims any responsibility for typographical errors and accuracy" of the information presented, and members of the public should treat the roster as a reference tool rather than a definitive legal record.

The Sheriff's Office can fulfill records requests for case reports, photographs associated with a particular case, jail records, and booking photos. Searches may be conducted by full name or booking number. The roster is refreshed regularly, though there may be a brief lag between a booking event and its appearance in the online system.

2. Local Police Departments

The City of La Grande Police Department serves the county seat and handles arrests within La Grande city limits. Arrest information originating from La Grande PD may appear in the Sheriff's jail roster once the individual is booked into the county facility. Press releases and public notices regarding significant arrests are periodically published through the department's official communications channels.

La Grande Police Department
1224 Adams Ave
La Grande, OR 97850
Phone: (541) 962-1350
City of La Grande

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Arrest records are frequently linked to criminal case filings at the Union County Circuit Court. Members of the public may search court case records by the arrestee's name to locate associated criminal proceedings, charge dispositions, hearing dates, and sentencing information. The Union County Circuit Court currently has two elected judges: Presiding Judge Thomas B. Powers and Circuit Court Judge Jared D. Boyd. Oregon's statewide eCourt system allows online case lookups through the Oregon Judicial Department's public access portal.

Union County Circuit Court
1100 L Ave
La Grande, OR 97850
Phone: (541) 963-6823
Union County Circuit Court

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Oregon State Police maintains a statewide criminal history repository through its Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) division. Members of the public may request a copy of their own criminal history record through this program. The repository includes arrest and conviction data submitted by law enforcement agencies across Oregon, including Union County. Requests for one's own record require fingerprint submission and payment of an applicable processing fee. Third-party access to another individual's criminal history is restricted and subject to statutory authorization.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Union County Sheriff's Office
4500 S Hwy 203
La Grande, OR 97850
Phone: (541) 963-1020
Union County Sheriff's Office

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Members of the public requesting records in person should bring a valid government-issued photo ID and, where possible, the full name of the subject, the approximate date of arrest, and any known booking number.
Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with Oregon public records law; the standard rate is $0.25 per page for paper copies, though fees may vary based on the nature and volume of the request.

Police Departments:

La Grande Police Department
1224 Adams Ave
La Grande, OR 97850
Phone: (541) 962-1350
City of La Grande Police Department

Records requests are submitted in writing or in person during business hours.
A per-page copy fee applies; requestors should contact the department directly to confirm the current fee schedule.

Clerk of Court:

Union County Circuit Court – Criminal Records Division
1100 L Ave
La Grande, OR 97850
Phone: (541) 963-6823
Union County Circuit Court

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Case files are available for public inspection at the courthouse. Certified copies of court documents are available for a fee set by the Oregon Judicial Department.
Copy fees: $0.25 per page for standard copies; certified copies carry an additional certification fee.

By Mail:

Written records requests may be submitted to the Union County Sheriff's Office at 4500 S Hwy 203, La Grande, OR 97850. Each written request should include:

The full legal name of the subject
Date of arrest, if known
Booking number, if known
The requestor's full name, mailing address, and contact phone number
Payment for applicable copy fees (check or money order payable to Union County Sheriff's Office)

Processing time for mailed requests is typically 5–10 business days, though complex or voluminous requests may require additional time.

By Phone:

Union County Sheriff's Office: (541) 963-1020
Inmate status inquiries may be made by phone; however, detailed records are not released verbally.
Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available.
Staff may direct callers to the online jail roster or advise submission of a written public records request for detailed documentation.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated case materials through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through standard public access channels. In active criminal proceedings, defense counsel may obtain arrest reports, booking photographs, and related documentation through the discovery process governed by Oregon Rules of Criminal Procedure.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number, if known
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, La Grande PD, Oregon State Police, etc.)

Are Arrest Records Public in Union County

Arrest records in Union County are public records under Oregon law. Oregon's Public Records Law, codified at ORS § 192.311 et seq., establishes a presumption of public access to government records, including those maintained by law enforcement agencies. Pursuant to this framework, arrest records—including booking information, charges, and custody status—are available to any member of the public upon request, subject to specific statutory exemptions.

The public availability of arrest records serves several recognized governmental and civic purposes:

Government transparency: Public access to law enforcement activity promotes accountability for official conduct.
Public safety: Disclosure of arrest information allows community members to be informed about criminal activity in their area.
Journalism and research: Media organizations and academic researchers rely on arrest records to document law enforcement patterns and report on matters of public concern.
Background screening: Employers, landlords, and licensing agencies may consult arrest records as part of lawful screening processes, subject to applicable restrictions.
Legal proceedings: Parties to civil and criminal litigation may require arrest records as evidence or for investigative purposes.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at the time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond or bail amount
Current custody status
Basic demographic information (age, physical description)

Limitations on Public Access:

Certain categories of arrest information are exempt from public disclosure under Oregon law:

Juvenile arrest records, which are restricted or sealed pursuant to ORS § 419A.255
Expunged arrest records, which are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information pertaining to active investigations where disclosure would impede law enforcement
Identities of undercover officers and confidential informants
Victim identifying information in certain offense categories
Information pertaining to participants in witness protection programs

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

Oregon's public records framework reflects a balance between the constitutional value of governmental transparency and individual privacy interests. The Oregon Constitution, Article I, Section 8, protects freedom of expression and press access, which courts have recognized as supporting public access to arrest information. Due process considerations also inform the distinction between an arrest—which reflects probable cause, not guilt—and a conviction.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

Members of the general public
Media organizations
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable fair housing laws
Licensing and regulatory agencies
Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance obligations
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic and policy researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The FCRA governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing screening. Employers subject to the FCRA may not use arrest records that are more than seven years old in most circumstances. Oregon does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain public employers are subject to restrictions on the timing of criminal history inquiries. A critical distinction exists between an arrest and a conviction: an arrest reflects a law enforcement determination of probable cause and does not establish guilt.

What's in Union County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (subject to redaction in certain cases)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest (street address or general area)
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, La Grande Police Department, Oregon State Police, or other)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Oregon Revised Statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints (collected during booking but not included in public-facing records)
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR) release
- No bond/held without bail
Release date and time, if applicable
Release conditions, where publicly available

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following charging
Court jurisdiction (Union County Circuit Court)
Scheduled arraignment date
Judge assignment, if available at time of record access

Prior Arrest History (may be included):

Previous arrests recorded in Union County
Prior booking numbers
Historical charge information
Note: Prior arrest history is not always included in a current arrest record and does not reflect conviction status

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest (contained in the police report, which is a separate document)
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Investigative techniques or methods
Medical or mental health information
Substance abuse history
Social Security number (redacted by law)
Financial account information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives, witness accounts, and investigative findings; subject to separate disclosure rules
Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after arrest, including hearings, motions, and dispositions
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed following adjudication
Background checks: Aggregate information from multiple sources, including arrest records, court records, and conviction data

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Union County?

The cost of obtaining arrest records in Union County is governed by Oregon's Public Records Law. Under ORS § 192.324, public bodies may charge fees for the actual cost of making records available, including staff time for search and review and the cost of duplication.

Record Type	Standard Fee
Paper copies	$0.25 per page
Certified court copies	$0.25 per page + certification fee
Electronic records (where available)	Varies; may be provided at no charge
Search/staff time	Actual cost; first 30 minutes often waived
Booking photograph	Varies by agency

Inspection of records at the Sheriff's Office or courthouse is available at no charge; fees apply only when copies are requested.
Certification fees for court documents are set by the Oregon Judicial Department and are subject to periodic adjustment.
Electronic format records, where the agency maintains them in that format, may be provided without a per-page duplication fee, though staff time charges may still apply.
Fee waivers may be granted at the agency's discretion when disclosure is determined to be in the public interest, such as for news media or nonprofit research organizations.
Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office include cash, check, and money order. The Circuit Court accepts cash, check, and credit card for copy fees.
Members of the public may inspect the jail roster and downloadable roster PDF online at no cost through the Sheriff's Office website.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Union County

Oregon law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement (legal erasure) and sealing (restricting public access). Expungement results in the destruction or setting aside of the record, while sealing restricts access without physical destruction. In Oregon, the process is referred to as "expungement" or "setting aside" a conviction or arrest record, governed by ORS § 137.225.

Eligibility for Expungement:

An arrest record in Oregon may be eligible for expungement in the following circumstances:

The arrest did not result in charges being filed
Charges were filed but subsequently dismissed
The defendant was acquitted at trial
A conviction was set aside following successful completion of probation (for eligible offenses)
The statutory waiting period has elapsed (three years for most misdemeanors; varies for felonies)

Certain offenses are categorically ineligible for expungement, including Class A felonies, sex offenses requiring registration, and offenses involving a victim under 18 years of age.

Steps to Seek Expungement:

Obtain a copy of the relevant arrest record or court case from the Union County Circuit Court to confirm the case number and disposition.
Complete the Oregon Motion to Set Aside form (available from the Oregon Judicial Department).
File the motion with the Union County Circuit Court, Criminal Division, at 1100 L Ave, La Grande, OR 97850.
Pay the applicable filing fee (currently $281 for most set-aside motions; fee waivers are available for qualifying low-income petitioners).
Serve copies of the motion on the District Attorney's Office and the Oregon State Police.
Attend the scheduled hearing, if one is set by the court.
If the motion is granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to seal or destroy the record.

Union County District Attorney's Office
1100 L Ave, Suite 200
La Grande, OR 97850
Phone: (541) 963-1009

Oregon State Police – CJIS Division
Criminal History Record Checks
Phone: (503) 378-3070

Following a successful expungement order, the Oregon State Police updates the statewide criminal history repository. Members of the public conducting background checks will no longer see the expunged record. Law enforcement agencies, however, retain access to sealed records for specified law enforcement purposes.

What Happens After Arrest in Union County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest anywhere in Union County, the arrested person is transported to the Union County Jail, operated by the Union County Sheriff's Office at 4500 S Hwy 203, La Grande, OR 97850. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if the investigation requires immediate follow-up.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the jail, the booking process is initiated. This process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume and the complexity of the intake. The following steps occur during booking:

Personal information is recorded, including full legal name, date of birth, and address
Miranda rights are confirmed
A booking photograph (mugshot) is taken
Fingerprints are collected and submitted to the Oregon State Police and FBI databases
A criminal history check is conducted
Outstanding warrants are verified
Personal property is inventoried and stored
Jail-issued clothing is provided
Medical and brief mental health screenings are conducted
Housing classification is assigned

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Oregon law, a person taken into custody must be brought before a magistrate or judge without unnecessary delay, and in no event later than 36 hours after arrest (excluding weekends and holidays for certain charges). At the first appearance:

The defendant is formally notified of the charges
The right to appointed counsel is addressed; if the defendant is indigent, the court appoints a public defender
Bond or bail is determined
The defendant is advised of their rights

First appearances at the Union County Circuit Court may be conducted in person or via video conference from the jail facility.

Bond/Bail Process:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the jail or court. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus any applicable fees, provided the defendant appears at all required court dates.

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount on behalf of the defendant. The defendant or their family pays a non-refundable premium, typically 10% of the bond amount. The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance.

Personal Recognizance (PR) Release: The defendant is released on a written promise to appear, without monetary payment. The court considers community ties, employment, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and flight risk in making this determination.

No Bond: The defendant is held without the possibility of bail. This occurs in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants.

Conditions of Release may include regular check-ins with pretrial services, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, processing for release typically takes one to eight hours. The defendant receives their personal property, a written notice of court dates, and a copy of any conditions of release. Failure to appear at any required court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant.

If bond is not posted, the defendant is assigned to a housing unit within the jail, receives an orientation to facility rules, and is informed of commissary, phone, and visitation privileges.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Union County Public Defender's Office
1100 L Ave
La Grande, OR 97850
Phone: (541) 963-6823 (via Circuit Court)

Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. Defendants who do not qualify for a public defender retain the right to hire private counsel. The Oregon State Bar's lawyer referral service is available at (503) 684-3763. Attorney-client consultations at the jail are confidential.

Charging Decision:

The Union County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, the prosecution may proceed by information or, in certain cases, by grand jury indictment. The charging decision is made within the timeframe required by Oregon's speedy trial provisions.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea. The available pleas in Oregon are guilty, not guilty, and no contest. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, preserving all pretrial rights. Additional court dates are set at this hearing.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase involves discovery (exchange of evidence between prosecution and defense), pretrial motions (including motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges), pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. The prosecution may offer a plea agreement involving reduced charges or a sentencing recommendation. The defendant retains the right to reject any plea offer and proceed to trial.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects in the arrest or charging process.
Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.
Plea Agreement: The defendant pleads guilty or no contest to agreed-upon charges; sentencing follows.
Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury trial or bench trial. If found guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled.

Sentencing options available to the court include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination thereof. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention.

Timeline Overview:

Stage	Timeframe
Arrest to first appearance	Within 36 hours (excluding holidays/weekends for some charges)
First appearance to arraignment	Days to weeks
Arraignment to resolution	Months; varies by complexity
Misdemeanor cases	Typically 3–6 months
Felony cases	Typically 6–18 months

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to an attorney
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Union County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
4500 S Hwy 203
La Grande, OR 97850
Phone: (541) 963-1020
Union County Sheriff's Office

Union County Circuit Court – Clerk of Court
1100 L Ave
La Grande, OR 97850
Phone: (541) 963-6823
Union County Circuit Court

Union County District Attorney's Office
1100 L Ave, Suite 200
La Grande, OR 97850
Phone: (541) 963-1009

Union County Public Defender
1100 L Ave
La Grande, OR 97850
Phone: (541) 963-6823 (via Circuit Court)

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement officers.
Do not physically resist arrest under any circumstances.
Politely invoke the right to remain silent; do not answer questions beyond providing identifying information.
Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right.
Do not discuss the facts of the case with anyone other than your attorney, including cellmates or family members.
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable.
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception.
Comply with all conditions of release if bond is granted.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Union County?

Records Retention Overview:

The retention of arrest records in Union County is governed by Oregon's public records retention schedules, established under the authority of the Oregon State Archives and applicable agency-specific policies. Retention periods vary based on the type of record, the disposition of the associated case, and the agency maintaining the record.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Court, the Oregon State Police criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
These records are part of the subject's permanent criminal history and appear on background checks indefinitely.

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Oregon State Police statewide repository.
Local law enforcement and court records are also retained for extended periods, with many agencies maintaining electronic records permanently.

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of three years following dismissal.
Court records are retained according to the Oregon Judicial Department's retention schedule, which provides for long-term or permanent retention of criminal case files regardless of disposition.
Records may remain accessible unless the subject obtains an expungement order.

Acquittals (Not Guilty Verdicts):

Court records are retained permanently as part of the official case file.
Law enforcement booking records are retained for a minimum of three years.
The subject may petition for expungement of the arrest record following acquittal.

Charges Not Filed / No-Information:

Booking records are retained for a minimum of three years.
These arrests are among the most eligible for expungement, and in some cases the subject may petition for immediate removal.

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Record Type	Retention Period
Booking paperwork (physical)	Minimum 3 years; often longer
Fingerprint cards	Permanent (submitted to state/federal databases)
Booking photographs	Minimum 3 years; digital copies often permanent
Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) logs	Minimum 2 years
Records management system entries	Often permanent
Court electronic records	Permanent

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and expungement obligations as government agencies. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records, but these entities may not automatically update their databases when a record is expunged. Individuals who have obtained an expungement order may need to contact third-party websites directly to request removal.

Retention by Agency:

Union County Sheriff's Office
4500 S Hwy 203
La Grande, OR 97850
Phone: (541) 963-1020
Union County Sheriff's Office

Booking records: Minimum 3 years; felony-related records retained longer
Arrest reports: Minimum 3 years; retained longer for serious offenses
Investigative files: Retained based on offense classification and case outcome

Union County Circuit Court
1100 L Ave
La Grande, OR 97850
Phone: (541) 963-6823
Union County Circuit Court

Felony case files: Permanent
Misdemeanor case files: Minimum 10 years; electronic records often permanent
Traffic cases: Minimum 3 years

Oregon State Police – Criminal History Repository
Criminal History Record Checks

Maintains arrest and conviction data submitted by all Oregon law enforcement agencies
Felony records: Permanent
Misdemeanor records: Permanent
Records updated upon receipt of expungement orders from Oregon courts

FBI Database:

The FBI's NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal-level records of arrests reported by Oregon agencies. Federal retention is permanent. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance, firearms purchases, and other federally regulated purposes.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Permanent retention across all databases; part of the subject's criminal history indefinitely.
Dismissal: Record remains in databases unless expunged; local retention minimum three years.
Expungement: Local records are sealed or destroyed; the Oregon State Police updates the statewide repository; the FBI database may retain a notation accessible only to law enforcement.
No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period or upon successful expungement petition.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks are limited to seven years of non-conviction arrest history for positions paying under a specified salary threshold. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Oregon law does not currently impose a shorter reporting period for convictions, though employers are advised to consider the nature and recency of any record in making employment decisions. Arrests without convictions carry no legal presumption of guilt and their use in employment decisions is subject to scrutiny under federal equal employment opportunity guidelines.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public seeking information about whether a specific arrest record is still maintained may contact the Union County Sheriff's Records Division at (541) 963-1020 or submit a written public records request. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.