Josephine County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Josephine County
Arrest records in Josephine County are considered public information under Oregon's Public Records Law (ORS 192.311-192.478). This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including arrest records, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Oregon Public Records Law operates under the principle that transparency in government activities serves the public interest.
It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a crime through legal proceedings. Under Oregon law, both types of records are generally public, though arrest records that did not lead to conviction may be eligible for expungement under certain circumstances as provided in ORS 137.225.
The Josephine County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county and makes certain information available to the public in accordance with state law. However, some information within arrest records may be redacted or withheld pursuant to exemptions in the Public Records Law, such as information that would constitute an unreasonable invasion of privacy or information that might compromise an ongoing investigation.
Law enforcement agencies in Josephine County, including the Grants Pass Police Department, adhere to the Oregon Department of Justice's guidelines regarding public access to law enforcement records. These guidelines balance the public's right to information with privacy concerns and the integrity of law enforcement operations.
What's in Josephine County Arrest Records
Arrest records maintained by Josephine County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. The content of these records is standardized to ensure consistency in documentation across different arrests and booking procedures.
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Home address
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Circumstances leading to arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance numbers of alleged violations
- Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor, violation)
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date of issuance
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Booking officer
- Fingerprints
- Mugshot photograph
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Whether bail was posted
- Conditions of release, if applicable
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned to case
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Expected release date if applicable
- Housing location within detention facility
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation or parole status
- Risk assessment scores
- Medical or mental health alerts
- Special custody requirements
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. Records maintained by the Josephine County Sheriff's Office follow standardized protocols established by Oregon state law and local ordinances.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Josephine County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Josephine County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains systems that allow for both in-person and remote access to these public records.
To request arrest records in person, individuals may visit:
Josephine County Sheriff's Office
601 NW 5th Street
Grants Pass, OR 97526
(541) 474-5123
Josephine County Sheriff's Office
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays
When requesting arrest records in person, requestors should:
- Complete a public records request form, available at the Sheriff's Office
- Provide specific information about the record being sought, including:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Date or approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if known)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees for record search and copying
Alternatively, written requests may be submitted by mail to the address above or via email to the Records Division. Pursuant to ORS 192.324, the Sheriff's Office must acknowledge receipt of a public records request within five business days and complete the request within a reasonable time.
For records related to cases that have entered the court system, requestors may contact:
Josephine County Circuit Court
301 NW F Street
Grants Pass, OR 97526
(541) 476-2309
Josephine County Circuit Court
Court Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays
The court maintains records of criminal proceedings, which may include information about arrests that led to formal charges. Court records may be requested using the Uniform Trial Court Rules (UTCR) Form 2.100.
How To Find Josephine County Arrest Records Online
Josephine County provides digital access to certain arrest records through online platforms maintained by county agencies. These resources allow members of the public to conduct searches remotely without visiting government offices.
The primary online resource for current arrest information is the Josephine County Jail Inmate Inquiry system. This database provides information about individuals currently in custody or recently released. To use this system:
- Navigate to the Josephine County Jail Inmate Inquiry website
- Select search criteria from available options:
- Name search (last name, first name)
- Subject number
- Booking number
- Custody status
- Enter the relevant information in the search fields
- Review the results, which typically include:
- Inmate name
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Housing location
- Scheduled court dates
For court records related to arrests that have proceeded to formal charges, the Oregon Judicial Department provides the Oregon Judicial Case Information Network (OJCIN) Online, accessible through the Oregon Judicial Department website. This subscription-based service allows users to search court records throughout Oregon, including Josephine County. Limited free searches are available at public access terminals located at the Josephine County Courthouse.
The Grants Pass Police Department also maintains certain public safety information online, including selected arrest data for cases within city jurisdiction.
When using online systems, users should note that:
- Information may be updated at different intervals depending on the system
- Not all arrest record details available in person will be accessible online
- Some sensitive information may be redacted from online versions
- Older records may not be digitized or included in online databases
How To Search Josephine County Arrest Records for Free?
Josephine County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest records without payment through several free resources provided by county and state agencies.
The Josephine County Jail Inmate Inquiry system offers free public access to basic information about current inmates and recent bookings. This resource provides:
- Names of individuals in custody
- Booking dates
- Charges
- Bond amounts
- Scheduled court dates
- Release information (when applicable)
This system is updated regularly and represents the most current information about individuals in county custody.
For in-person free access to more comprehensive records, individuals may visit:
Josephine County Law Library
301 NW F Street, Room 214
Grants Pass, OR 97526
(541) 476-2309
Library Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
The law library provides public access terminals where visitors may search the Oregon Judicial Case Information Network (OJCIN) at no charge. While this system primarily contains court records rather than arrest records, it includes information about cases that originated with arrests.
Additionally, pursuant to ORS 192.324(5), public bodies may waive fees for records requests when doing so is in the public interest. Individuals may request a fee waiver when submitting records requests to the Josephine County Sheriff's Office or other county agencies.
The State of Oregon Archives also maintains certain historical records from Josephine County that may be accessed without charge, though these typically do not include recent arrest records.
When utilizing free resources, requestors should be aware that:
- Free access may be limited in scope compared to paid services
- Some records may require in-person visits to government facilities
- Staff assistance for extensive searches may incur fees
- Copying or certification of records typically involves charges
How To Delete Arrest Records in Josephine County
Under Oregon law, individuals may petition for the expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access) of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. These processes are governed by ORS 137.225, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedures.
Expungement and sealing are distinct legal remedies:
- Expungement results in the physical destruction or return of fingerprints, photographs, and other arrest records, and allows the individual to legally deny the arrest occurred
- Sealing restricts public access to records but preserves them for certain official purposes, such as law enforcement investigations
Eligibility for expungement in Josephine County typically requires:
- The arrest did not lead to a conviction (case was dismissed, acquitted at trial, or no charges filed)
- Sufficient time has elapsed since the arrest or case conclusion (typically one year for arrests not leading to charges)
- The individual has no pending criminal charges or other recent arrests
- The arrest was not for certain excluded offenses, such as sex crimes or certain traffic offenses
For convictions, expungement may be possible if:
- The conviction was for a qualifying offense (generally lower-level offenses)
- The required waiting period has elapsed (typically 3-10 years depending on the offense)
- The individual has no other convictions or pending charges
- All fines, restitution, and other financial obligations have been satisfied
To initiate the expungement process:
- Obtain and complete the appropriate forms from the Josephine County Circuit Court
- File the forms with the court clerk and pay the filing fee
- Serve copies of the petition on the District Attorney's Office and arresting agency
- Attend the scheduled hearing if one is set
- If granted, ensure the expungement order is properly distributed to all relevant agencies
Josephine County District Attorney's Office
500 NW 6th Street
Grants Pass, OR 97526
(541) 474-5200
Individuals seeking expungement may wish to consult with an attorney, as the process involves complex legal requirements. The Oregon State Bar offers referral services for those needing legal assistance.
What Happens After Arrest in Josephine County?
Following an arrest in Josephine County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Oregon state law and local procedures. This process includes several distinct phases from initial custody through case disposition.
The post-arrest process typically proceeds as follows:
-
Booking and Initial Detention: Upon arrest, individuals are transported to the Josephine County Jail where they undergo booking procedures, including:
- Photographing and fingerprinting
- Collection of personal information
- Medical screening
- Property inventory
- Assignment to appropriate housing
-
Initial Appearance: Within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), arrestees appear before a judge at the Josephine County Circuit Court. During this proceeding:
- Charges are formally presented
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Bail determinations are made
- Public defender appointments occur for qualifying individuals
- Future court dates are scheduled
-
Pretrial Release Consideration: The court evaluates whether the individual may be released pending trial based on:
- Nature and severity of charges
- Criminal history
- Community ties
- Flight risk assessment
- Public safety considerations
- Ability to post bail
-
Arraignment: If formal charges are filed by the District Attorney's Office, the defendant appears for arraignment where:
- The charging document is read
- The defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Trial rights are explained
- Discovery process begins
-
Pretrial Proceedings: Before trial, several hearings may occur:
- Status conferences to monitor case progress
- Motion hearings to resolve evidentiary or procedural issues
- Settlement conferences to explore plea agreements
- Omnibus hearings to address multiple pretrial matters
-
Case Resolution: Cases typically conclude through:
- Plea agreement (most common)
- Trial by judge or jury
- Dismissal of charges
- Diversion programs for qualifying offenders
-
Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows based on:
- Oregon sentencing guidelines
- Statutory requirements
- Presentence investigation reports
- Victim impact statements
- Mitigating or aggravating factors
Throughout this process, the Josephine County Sheriff's Office maintains custody records documenting the individual's status and location within the system. These records become part of the official arrest record accessible through the procedures outlined in previous sections.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Josephine County?
Arrest records in Josephine County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR 166-150-0135) governing law enforcement records. These schedules establish minimum retention periods, though records may be kept longer at agency discretion.
The Oregon State Archives oversees record retention requirements for all county agencies, including the Josephine County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement entities. Under current regulations, arrest records are typically retained as follows:
- Arrest Reports: Minimum 75 years from date of creation
- Booking Records: Minimum 75 years from date of creation
- Fingerprint Cards: Permanent retention
- Mugshot Photographs: Minimum 75 years from date of creation
- Jail Records: Minimum 10 years after release from custody
- Investigation Reports: Minimum 75 years for felonies; 25 years for misdemeanors
- Juvenile Arrest Records: Until age 18, then subject to special handling requirements
Different agencies within Josephine County may maintain separate copies of arrest-related records with varying retention periods:
- The Josephine County Sheriff's Office maintains original arrest and booking records
- The Josephine County Circuit Court maintains records of court proceedings related to arrests
- The Grants Pass Police Department maintains records of arrests within city jurisdiction
Records retention serves several important public purposes:
- Preserves evidence that may be needed for future legal proceedings
- Maintains documentation for background checks and security clearances
- Provides statistical data for crime analysis and resource allocation
- Ensures accountability of law enforcement agencies
- Preserves historical information for research purposes
It is important to note that expungement orders, when granted by the court, supersede standard retention schedules. When a record is expunged pursuant to ORS 137.225, agencies must destroy or return physical records regardless of normal retention periods.
How to Find Mugshots in Josephine County
Mugshot photographs, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process and form part of the official arrest record in Josephine County. These images serve both administrative and investigative purposes within the criminal justice system.
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots are standardized photographs taken of arrested individuals during the booking process. They typically include:
- Front-facing (frontal) view of the individual
- Profile (side) view of the individual
- Identifying information such as booking number and date
- Height measurement markers in the background
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Josephine County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:
Josephine County Sheriff's Office
601 NW 5th Street
Grants Pass, OR 97526
(541) 474-5123
Josephine County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their booking and detention documentation. For arrests made within Grants Pass city limits, the Grants Pass Police Department may also maintain copies of booking photographs.
Finding Mugshots
To locate mugshots in Josephine County, individuals may:
-
Submit a public records request to the Josephine County Sheriff's Office specifying:
- Full name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if available)
-
Visit the Sheriff's Office Records Division in person during business hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
-
Mail a written request to the Sheriff's Office address listed above
Can Mugshots Be Found Online
The Josephine County Jail Inmate Inquiry system provides information about current inmates but does not display mugshot photographs publicly. Unlike some jurisdictions, Josephine County does not maintain a public-facing database of booking photographs.
Some third-party websites may publish mugshots obtained through public records requests, but these are not official county resources and may contain outdated or inaccurate information.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
To officially obtain a copy of a booking photograph, requestors must:
- Complete a public records request form
- Provide identification
- Pay applicable fees (typically $10-25 per photograph)
- Specify the intended use of the photograph
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances, including:
- Cases involving juveniles (under 18 years of age)
- Records that have been expunged or sealed by court order
- Ongoing investigations where release might compromise public safety
- Cases where privacy concerns outweigh public interest in disclosure
The release of booking photographs is governed by the Oregon Public Records Law (ORS 192.311-192.478) and associated exemptions. The Sheriff's Office evaluates each request to determine if any exemptions apply.
Lookup Arrest Records in Josephine County
Josephine County Jail Inmate Inquiry
Josephine County Sheriff's Office