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Justice Center and First Court Appearance

The Multnomah County Justice Center has four courtrooms on the third floor. These courtrooms handle criminal cases, and the most common type of hearing is an arraignment.

Courtrooms and Schedules

JC1

Misdemeanor Arraignments

  • Monday at 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM
  • Tuesday at 9:00 AM

Rapid Resolution cases

  • Tuesday at 1:00 PM

JC2

Probation Violations

  • Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 9:00 AM

Extended Probation Violations

  • Friday at 9:00 AM

Aid & Assist 

  • Tuesday at 1:00 PM

Domestic Violence Deferred Sentencing Program

  • Thursday at 1:30 PM

JC3

Felony Arraignments

  • Monday through Friday at 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM

JC4

Misdemeanor and Felony Arraignments

  • Monday and Tuesdays at 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM

Misdemeanor Arraignments

  • Wednesday through Friday at 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM

Location

  • The Justice Center is located at 1120 Southwest 3rd Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97204
  • Parking garages, metered street parking, buses, and light rail stops are available within a few blocks.

Arriving for Court

  • It is recommended that you arrive 30 to 45 minutes early.
  • You will need to go through security when you enter.
  • After security, go upstairs to the third floor Court Check-In window.
  • Both stairs and elevators are available.

If You Are Appearing for Your Own Case

  • At the check-In window you will be asked whether you plan to:
    • Request a court appointed attorney
    • Hire your own attorney
    • Represent yourself
  • If you request a court appointed attorney, you will need to fill out an application.
  • If you are found eligible for one, you may be required to pay part of the cost. The judge will decide based on the financial information you provided.
  • After you have finished at the check-in window, the clerk will tell you which courtroom to enter.
  • Take a seat and wait for your case to be called.

If You Are Observing Someone Else’s Case

  • At the check-in window, tell the clerk the name of the person whose hearing you want to observe. 
  • The clerk will look up their case and tell you which courtroom to enter. 
  • Take a seat in the courtroom and wait for the case to be called. 

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What is an arraignment?

  • An arraignment is the first court appearance in a criminal case.

Who Will Be in the Courtroom

  • A Defense Attorney is assigned to the courtroom.
  • A District Attorney, also called a prosecutor, is present.
  • If you hired your own attorney, they will stand with you when your case is called

​When Your Case is Called

  • Go to the front of the courtroom and stand next to the Defense Attorney, unless your own attorney is with you.
  • The Defense Attorney will tell you what criminal charges the State has filed against you. 
  • They will ask you to confirm your name and date of birth.
  • If anything is incorrect, tell the Defense Attorney, so it can be fixed.
  • Be sure to tell the Defense Attorney if you live or work out of state, so they can request permission for you to leave Oregon. 
  • The Defense Attorney will enter a “Not Guilty” plea for you.
  • The judge will decide whether you must follow any specific rules or conditions while the case is pending.
  • If an attorney is assigned to you, the Defense Attorney will collect your contact information for that attorney.

Before You Leave the Courtroom

  • The courtroom clerk will give you your next court date.
  • The clerk will also provide you with copies of any paperwork you need.

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