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Support Services Division
The Support Services Division is committed to providing public services to Lincoln County's community members, cooperating agencies, and a variety of external entities with the highest level of integrity, efficiency, and compassion.
Civil Information
The Civil Division is responsible for booking, filing, serving and enforcing court orders and a variety of other documents issued by the courts. Examples of civil papers include:
- Small claim notices
- Writs of garnishment
- Evictions
- Restraining orders
- Foreclosures of real or personal property
Staff also seize and sell real or personal property as ordered by the courts and ensure enforcement of Orders of Assistance for the custody of children.
Civil Division staff who are trained in civil process ensure that all court orders are processed in accordance with Oregon law and the Oregon Rules of Civil Procedure. After ensuring the papers are complete, a sheriff's deputy delivers the documents to the person named on the paper, or if the law allows, to a responsible party. When court orders and executions are received civil staff arrange enforcement.
The Civil Division also processes and serves criminal subpoenas for the District Attorney and criminal defense attorneys.
Online Sheriff's Sales - View Current Auctions in any Oregon County - Oregon State Sheriff's Association offers a website for posting Sheriff's Notice of Sale. See attachment below for bulletin with more information. View the Sheriff's Sales Status.
Service Fees
Generally, there is a fee charged to process and serve civil papers. State law or county ordinance sets the fee that is charged for our services. Checks or money orders for fees should be made payable to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office.
| Type of Document | Number of Parties | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Notice Process (Such as summons and complaint, divorces documents, Small Claim notices, Notices of Restitution, etc.) For more than two parties at an address, the fee increases to $28 per person. | 1 to 2 Parties (same address) | $50 |
| Notice Process (Such as summons and complaint, divorces documents, Small Claim notices, Notices of Restitution, etc.) For more than two parties at an address, the fee increases to $28 per person. | 3 Parties (same address) | $84 |
| Notice Process (Such as summons and complaint, divorces documents, Small Claim notices, Notices of Restitution, etc.) For more than two parties at an address, the fee increases to $28 per person. | 4 Parties (same address) | $112 |
| Writs of Garnishment | N/A | $25 |
| Enforcement Actions Minimum Fee (Fees vary by the type of enforcement action, so please call to verify) | N/A | $89 |
| Conveyance of Real Property (Deed, etc.) | N/A | $56 |
See the Sheriff's Office Fee Schedule (PDF).
Mailing Papers for Service
Papers for service or enforcement should be mailed to the:
Lincoln County Sheriff's Office
Civil Division
225 W Olive Street
Room 203
Newport, OR 97365
Papers and instructions mailed should include:
- A signed and completed civil service request form: Instructions to Sheriff - General (PDF) or Instructions to Sheriff - Eviction Documents (PDF)
- Appropriate copies (or certified true copies) as required for service.
- Appropriate copies (or originals) as required for return to court.
- Name and address of person(s) to be served and any other information that would be helpful such as vehicle driven, place of employment.
- Check or money order in the correct amount to cover service fee (papers will not be served or processed without the service fee).
- Self-addressed stamped envelope. (In most cases, Oregon law requires the Sheriff make their return directly to the court. The Sheriff's Office will mail a copy of the return to you if the appropriate envelope has been provided.)
For Legal Advice, Contact an Attorney
By law, the Support Services Division is not permitted to give legal advice. Please consult an attorney for any legal guidance. You may also wish to contact the Oregon State Bar Tel-Law line at 503-620-0222 or Web-Law for general legal information.
Public Records Requests
Much of the information that your Sheriff's Office stores is routinely available to the public for a fee. There are some exceptions under law that restrict the release of specific types of records. The first step in the process is to complete and submit a Records Request form (PDF) and remit the estimated fee. If the information you need is not immediately available, Records Staff will let you know if or when the information is expected to be releasable. Questions regarding records requests may also be sent via sheriffrecordsrequests@co.lincoln.or.us.
Our fees associated with public records requests vary and can be found by reading our fee schedule (PDF).
Property & Evidence Information
Your Lincoln County Sheriff's Office Evidence and Property Division is staffed by one civilian Evidence Control Specialist and supervised by the Support Services Director.
The Property and Evidence Division is responsible for receiving, cataloging, storing, and maintaining all evidence collected during a Sheriff's Office investigation. Evidence may include firearms, weapons, blood samples, urine samples, personal property, found property, and items collected as part of an investigation. The Property and Evidence Division is also responsible for returning property to the rightful owner at the conclusion of an investigation or disposing of such property in accordance with Oregon Revised Statutes.
The Property and Evidence Division's primary function is to retain evidence for the prosecution of criminal court cases. The unit is responsible for the proper intake, control, storage, release and/or disposal of all property confiscated, appropriated, seized or otherwise taken into custody by your Lincoln County Sheriff's Office. This property may include recovered stolen, abandoned, and found property, as well as property received for safekeeping.
The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office Property and Evidence Division is only responsible for property/evidence collected by the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office. If your property was collected or seized by another law enforcement agency within Lincoln County (for example: Newport Police Department, Oregon State Police, Lincoln City Police Department, Toledo Police Department, etc.), you will need to contact that agency directly for the disposition of your property.
The Evidence Control Specialist does not have the authority to release property taken as evidence without prior authorization from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office case officer or the Lincoln County District Attorney's Office. The Sheriff's Office Evidence Control Specialist can facilitate the process for release of property, but does not have the authority to determine what property can be released or when it can be released.
Release of Property
Evidence and property that is no longer needed for court proceedings will be released to its rightful owner if known. The Evidence Control Specialist will send a letter to the owner's last known address or last known address on file the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles stating the property can be picked up from our office. Evidence and property used in the commission of a crime, such as controlled substances or related instruments and/or contraband, which are unlawfully used or possessed, will be destroyed.
Property is released by appointment only. Property will not be released to the owner without photo identification (drivers license, state ID card, passport, etc.). You may be asked to supply proof of ownership.
Inmate Property Release
Personal property for someone lodged at the Lincoln County Jail is maintained at that facility. The Lincoln County Jail is located at 251 W Olive Street, Newport, OR. If you have a question regarding inmate property you must call 541-265-4277, ext. 0710. It is recommended that you contact this office in advance to schedule an appointment to pick up property, as paperwork must be completed before any property is released.
Disposal of Firearms & Ammunition
The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office will dispose of any unwanted firearms and ammunition for the general public upon receiving a signed release. For more information, please contact the staff directly at 541-265-4912.