The Circuit Court records all hearings and trials for all case types. To request a copy of the audio (sound) recording from a hearing or trial you must submit a request on the Court’s Audio Copy Request form (see below).
If you are filing an appeal of your case, you may need a transcript of the hearing and not an audio copy. An audio copy is a sound recording that you listen to. A transcript is a written record of the hearing that you read. Transcripts are made by a professional transcriber who listens to the audio (sound) recording and types the spoken words into a written document.
State law restricts who may receive audio copies of hearings and trials for some case types such as adoptions and juvenile cases. If you are requesting an audio copy from a restricted (confidential) case type, your request may be denied or you may be required to complete additional paperwork, show identification and pick up the copies in person.
Processing Time
Generally, copies are processed within seven to ten (7 to 10) business days after receipt of payment. Requests are processed in the order they are received. Payment in full must be received before the request is processed.
Standard Medium for Providing Audio
Audio copies of hearings and trials are generally provided via Secure File Transfer (SFTP). An email with a link will be received to download the requested audio files. Please be advised that the link will expire 14 days after being received. Copies of audio recordings will be sent using the recording system called "For The Record" (FTR). To play the recordings, you will need the free FTR Player which can be downloade from
fortherecord.com. (At this time FTR Software is not Apple compatible.) Follow the directions for downloading FTR Player form the FTR website. Court staff cannot assist you if you encounter problems with downloading the FTR Player.
If you encounter technical difficulties with the FTR Player, you will need to contact technical support for FTR.
In addition to the audio recording, you may request a copy of the audio log, which is a general time-stamped index of the recorded hearing or trial that lists major events during the hearing, such as when a witness begins testimony or when an objection is made. For hearings originally recorded on VHS or cassette, the log is only available on paper. For hearings originally recorded using FTR, the audio log is provided in HTML format along with the audio files.
Alternative Medium for Providing Audio
In rare instances the Court Support Supervisor may approve audio copies to be received by another means (such as a CD). If you would like to request approval for another form of delivery, please call the Court Support Supervisor at 541-388-5300 x71500 OR submit your request in writing, outlining in detail why you are requesting your audio be provided in an alternate format. Mail or drop off your request to:
Deschutes Circuit Court
RE: Audio Copy Request
1100 NW Bond Street
To request copies online
For information on fees, and to request audio copies online, please use the
Statewide Records Request site.
NOTE: The statewide records request form allows for selecting CD as a preferred delivery method. DESCHUTUTES CIRCUIT COURT ONLY PROVIDES AUDIO COPIES IN ELECTRONIC FORMAT (see above for details). To request a CD or alternative medium, please complete the process explained above under the "Alterrnative Medium for Providing Audio" section of this web page.