About Washington County

Washington County is located in the northwestern corner of Oregon, nestled between the Coast Range to the west and the Tualatin Mountains, also known as the West Hills, to the east. The county encompasses approximately 726 square miles of diverse terrain, including the fertile Tualatin Valley floor, rolling agricultural land, dense forests, and urban and suburban communities that blend seamlessly with the greater Portland metropolitan area. This geographic variety gives Washington County a distinctive character, balancing its deep agricultural roots with a forward-looking, technology-driven identity that has made it one of the most dynamic counties in the Pacific Northwest. With a population of approximately 600,372 residents, Washington County is the second most populous county in Oregon, and it continues to grow at a steady pace. The county seat is Hillsboro, a thriving city that serves as the administrative and cultural hub of the region. Beyond Hillsboro, the county includes well-known communities such as Beaverton, Tigard, Tualatin, Sherwood, Forest Grove, Cornelius, and Banks, each with its own distinct personality ranging from bustling suburban centers to small agricultural towns. This diversity of communities means Washington County serves an extraordinarily wide range of residents, from tech workers and young families to farmers, longtime Oregonians, and a growing immigrant population. The economy of Washington County is one of the most robust in Oregon, anchored by the globally recognized Silicon Forest technology corridor. Major employers including Intel, Nike, and Epson have large campuses in the county, drawing a highly educated and internationally diverse workforce. Agriculture also remains an important economic pillar, with nursery crops, grass seed, wine grapes, and berries produced throughout the Tualatin Valley. The county's strategic location along major transportation corridors including US Highway 26 and Oregon Route 217, combined with access to Portland's international airport, makes Washington County a critical hub for commerce, logistics, and innovation in the region.

Practice Areas in Washington County

Criminal Law
Criminal Law
Charges, arrests, bail and criminal trials.
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DUI
DUI
DUI charges, licence suspension and reinstatement.
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Family Law
Family Law
Divorce, custody, property and support.
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Immigration Law
Immigration
Visas, green cards, deportation and citizenship.
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Traffic Law
Traffic Law
Traffic violations, licence matters and offences.
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Employment Law
Employment Law
Wrongful termination, discrimination, disputes.
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Courts in Washington County

Washington County is served primarily by the Washington County Circuit Court, which is part of Oregon's Unified Trial Court system and is located at 145 NE 2nd Avenue in Hillsboro. This court handles a broad range of matters including felony and misdemeanor criminal cases, civil disputes, family law proceedings such as divorce, custody, and adoption, juvenile matters, probate, small claims, and traffic violations. Oregon does not have a separate district or superior court structure; instead, the Circuit Court serves as the general trial court for all major case types. The Washington County Justice Courts, operated at the local municipal level in cities such as Beaverton, Hillsboro, and Tigard, handle minor traffic infractions and certain low-level violations within their respective city limits. Additionally, a Washington County Law Library is available to assist self-represented litigants navigating the court system.

Federal vs State Jurisdiction in Washington County

In Washington County, the vast majority of legal matters — including criminal prosecutions, family law cases, traffic violations, landlord-tenant disputes, and most civil litigation — are handled by Oregon state courts, specifically the Washington County Circuit Court. However, certain matters fall under federal jurisdiction and are heard by the United States District Court for the District of Oregon, which has its primary courthouse in Portland at 1000 SW Third Avenue. Federal jurisdiction applies when cases involve federal laws or constitutional questions, disputes between parties from different states where the amount exceeds $75,000, immigration matters, federal criminal charges such as drug trafficking across state lines or fraud against federal programs, and bankruptcy proceedings. Washington County residents who face federal charges or need to file a federal civil lawsuit will have their cases adjudicated in Portland at the District of Oregon, while everyday legal matters remain within the Oregon state court system headquartered locally in Hillsboro.

Common Legal Situations in Washington County

Given Washington County's large and diverse population, dense suburban development, active technology and manufacturing industries, and extensive road network including major highways, residents frequently encounter a wide range of legal situations. Traffic violations and DUI charges are among the most common matters brought before local courts, driven by the county's high commuter traffic on US-26, Highway 217, and the Tualatin Valley Highway. The county's booming housing market and rental sector generate significant numbers of landlord-tenant disputes, evictions, and real estate transactions that require legal attention. Employment law issues including wage disputes, non-compete agreements, and workplace discrimination claims arise frequently given the large number of tech and manufacturing employers operating in the area. Family law matters such as divorce, child custody, and domestic partnership dissolutions are consistently high-volume cases, reflecting the county's large and growing family-oriented population. Criminal defense matters ranging from misdemeanor charges to serious felonies, along with immigration legal needs tied to the county's diverse workforce, round out the most common legal challenges Washington County residents face.

Why Go To Court for Washington County Legal Matters

Go To Court offers Washington County residents dependable, accessible legal representation across a wide range of practice areas, backed by an experienced team that understands the local courts and the communities they serve. Whether you are facing a matter in the Washington County Circuit Court in Hillsboro, a municipal court in Beaverton or Tigard, or the federal District of Oregon courthouse in Portland, Go To Court can connect you with knowledgeable legal professionals ready to help. Residents can reach the Go To Court free 24/7 legal hotline at any time to get answers and guidance without waiting for business hours. With fixed-fee legal services coming soon, Washington County residents will have even greater clarity and predictability when it comes to managing the cost of quality legal representation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I receive a traffic ticket in Washington County?

If you receive a traffic citation in Washington County, you have the option to pay the fine, request a hearing to contest the violation, or in some cases apply for traffic school to have the infraction dismissed. Contesting a ticket in the Washington County Circuit Court or the relevant municipal court can be worthwhile, particularly if the violation could affect your driving record or insurance rates. Consulting with a traffic attorney before your hearing date can help you understand your options and the best strategy for your specific situation.

How does the divorce process work in Washington County?

Divorce in Washington County is filed through the Washington County Circuit Court in Hillsboro, and Oregon is a no-fault divorce state, meaning neither party needs to prove wrongdoing to obtain a dissolution of marriage. The process involves filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, serving your spouse, and resolving issues such as property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support either through agreement or court determination. If both parties agree on all terms, an uncontested divorce can be finalized relatively quickly, while contested divorces involving disputes over assets or children may take considerably longer.

What are my rights if I am arrested in Washington County?

If you are arrested in Washington County, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney, and it is generally advisable to exercise both of these rights immediately. You should be advised of your Miranda rights before any custodial interrogation, and anything you say to law enforcement can be used against you in court. You have the right to a court-appointed attorney if you cannot afford one, and it is important to request legal representation as soon as possible after an arrest to protect your interests throughout the criminal process.

Can my landlord evict me without proper notice in Washington County?

No, under Oregon law landlords in Washington County must follow a specific legal process before evicting a tenant, which includes providing written notice that complies with state requirements before filing an eviction lawsuit, formally known as a Forcible Entry and Detainer action, in the Washington County Circuit Court. Oregon's tenant protection laws are among the stronger in the country, and in many cases landlords in larger jurisdictions must provide 90 days' notice without cause for termination. If you believe you are being wrongfully evicted or have not received proper notice, you should seek legal advice promptly, as you have the right to contest the eviction in court.

How do I establish or modify a child custody arrangement in Washington County?

Child custody matters in Washington County are handled by the Family Law division of the Washington County Circuit Court in Hillsboro, and custody can be established as part of a divorce proceeding or through a separate parentage action if the parents were never married. Oregon courts determine custody based on the best interests of the child, considering factors such as each parent's relationship with the child, stability of the home environment, and the child's adjustment to school and community. To modify an existing custody order, you must generally show that there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the original order was entered, and it is advisable to work with an attorney to navigate the modification process effectively.

Neighbouring Counties

Washington County is bordered by Multnomah County to the northeast, Clackamas County to the southeast, Yamhill County to the south, Tillamook County to the west, and Columbia County to the north.