Union County

Union County is located in northeastern Oregon, covering approximately 2,038 square miles of diverse terrain that ranges from the fertile Grande Ronde Valley to the rugged Blue Mountains. La Grande serves as Union County seat and largest city, with a population of approximately 26,200 residents as of recent census estimates. Union County was established in 1864 during Oregon's territorial period and named for the strong Union sentiment in Union County during the Civil War era. Union County is home to Eastern Oregon University in La Grande, one of Union County's primary educational institutions. Major landmarks include the Eagle Cap Wilderness, Mount Emily, and the historic Oregon Trail routes that passed through the valley. Union County's economy has historically been built on timber, agriculture, and cattle ranching, though healthcare and education now play significant roles. Union County Courthouse is located at 1001 4th Street in La Grande, housing many county offices. Union County Recorder maintains land records and documents, while the County Clerk oversees elections, marriage licenses, and various administrative functions. Union County Assessor's office, responsible for property valuations and tax assessments, is also located in the courthouse complex. The scenic Grande Ronde Valley, surrounded by mountains, provides a distinctive geographical feature that has shaped Union County's agricultural productivity and settlement patterns. Union County maintains a rural character while acting as a regional hub for commerce, healthcare, and government services in northeastern Oregon.

• The scenic Grande Ronde Valley, surrounded by mountains, provides a distinctive geographical feature that has shaped Union County's agricultural productivity and settlement patterns.

The Union County Court serves Union County, Oregon and handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases. The courthouse is located in the county seat of this county. Court records and case filings can be requested in person or through the Oregon online court portal.

The Union County Court in Union County has jurisdiction over all civil and criminal cases arising within the county, including family law, probate, small claims, and felony proceedings. Appeals from lower courts are also heard at this level. Case records are maintained by the region Clerk of Courts and are accessible to the public under Oregon open records law.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Requests for arrest records should be submitted to the Sheriff's Office or the specific arresting agency, either in writing or in person.
• Municipal police departments operating within Union County include the La Grande Police Department, which serves Union County Seat and surrounding incorporated areas, and provides law enforcement within city limits.
• Requests for copies of police reports or arrest records typically require completion of a public records request form and may involve copying fees as permitted under Oregon law.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond and bail process in Oregon allows for the release of detainees pending trial, with specific conditions set by the court.

• Justice Court operations in Union County handle violations, small claims up to $10,000, and misdemeanors, operating under the Circuit Court umbrella.
• Viewing basic case information online is free, but obtaining certified copies of court documents requires payment of fees established by state statute and court rules.
• Certified copies of court documents cost $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, plus a $1.25 certificate fee.
• Union County Circuit Court Clerk's office processes record requests during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, and can provide information about remote access options and record retrieval procedures.

• The Assessor's office phone number is listed on the office’s official website, and property tax information can be searched online through Union County's property information system.
• Union County provides a Geographic Information System (GIS) parcel viewer that allows users to view parcel boundaries, ownership information, zoning, and aerial photography, accessible through Union County website.
• Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested in person at the Recorder's office or by mail with proper identification and payment of applicable fees established under Oregon law.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• Processing time for in-person requests at the County Clerk's office is usually immediate if the record is on file, while mail requests may take one to two weeks.
• Online ordering of Oregon vital records is available through VitalChek, the state's authorized vendor, at vitalchek.com, though expedited service fees apply.
• Marriage licenses are issued by Union County Clerk's office with a current fee of $60.00, and couples must apply in person with valid government-issued photo identification.

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• This database provides business formation dates, registered agent information, principal addresses, and current status.
• The Greater La Grande Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 2111 Adams Avenue in La Grande, website visitunioncounty.org, provides business development resources and networking opportunities for local businesses.