Wyoming Arrest Records

Is Wyoming an Open Arrest Records State?

Wyoming is indeed an open arrest records state, adhering to principles of governmental transparency and public accountability. Under Wyoming's Public Records Act (Wyo. Stat. § 16-4-201 through § 16-4-205), arrest records are classified as public information accessible to all citizens. This legislative framework ensures that residents can obtain information about arrests occurring within their communities, supporting informed decision-making regarding public safety and law enforcement activities.

The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation serves as the central repository for criminal history information, including arrest records. This agency maintains comprehensive documentation of arrests, charges, and dispositions throughout the state's criminal justice system. The public accessibility of these records facilitates various legitimate purposes, including employment background checks, housing applications, journalistic research, and personal safety concerns.

It's important to note that while Wyoming maintains an open records policy, certain limitations exist to protect privacy interests and ongoing investigations. Juvenile records, sealed records, and certain sensitive information may be exempt from public disclosure under specific statutory provisions outlined in Wyoming's criminal procedure statutes.

How to Look Up Wyoming Arrest Records in 2025

Accessing Wyoming arrest records in 2025 involves several methodologies, each offering different advantages depending on your specific needs:

Online Resources

The Wyoming criminal justice system has continued to enhance its digital infrastructure, making online searches increasingly comprehensive. The Wyoming Criminal Records Unit provides centralized access to criminal history information. Additionally, the state's background check system allows authorized users to conduct criminal history searches for employment and licensing purposes.

For the most current information, individuals can utilize the Wyoming Judicial Branch's online case search portal, which provides access to court records associated with arrests and subsequent proceedings. This resource is particularly valuable for tracking case progression through the judicial system.

In-Person Requests

Physical visits to relevant agencies remain a reliable method for obtaining comprehensive arrest records:

Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation
208 South College Drive
Cheyenne, WY 82002
(307) 777-7181
Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Wyoming State Archives
2301 Central Avenue
Cheyenne, WY 82002
(307) 777-7826
Wyoming State Archives

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

County Sheriff's Offices

Each county sheriff's office maintains records of arrests within their jurisdiction. For example:

Laramie County Sheriff's Office
1910 Pioneer Avenue
Cheyenne, WY 82001
(307) 633-4700
Laramie County Sheriff's Office

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Natrona County Sheriff's Office
201 North David Street
Casper, WY 82601
(307) 235-9282
Natrona County Sheriff's Office

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Written Requests

For individuals unable to access online systems or visit in person, written requests remain a viable option. These requests should include:

Full name of the subject
Date of birth
Specific information requested
Purpose of the request
Contact information for response
Applicable fees (typically $15-25 per record)

Requests should be directed to the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation or the relevant county sheriff's office where the arrest occurred.

Contents of a Wyoming Arrest Record

Wyoming arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by state statutes and administrative regulations. A comprehensive arrest record typically includes:

Biographical Information

Full legal name (including aliases)
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
Demographic information
Residence at time of arrest
Booking photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest (address and jurisdiction)
Arresting agency and officer identification
Incident report number
Probable cause statement
Miranda rights acknowledgment

Criminal Charges

Specific statutory violations cited
Classification of offenses (felony, misdemeanor)
Charge descriptions
Enhancement factors (if applicable)
Weapon involvement (if applicable)

Case Processing Information

Booking details
Detention facility information
Court docket number
Initial appearance date
Bail or bond determination
Preliminary hearing scheduling

Disposition Information

Court proceedings outcomes
Plea information
Conviction details (if applicable)
Sentencing information
Probation or parole terms

According to Wyoming criminal procedure statutes, arrest records must maintain accuracy and completeness to ensure due process protections for the accused while providing transparent information to the public.

Understanding the Wyoming Open Records Act

The Wyoming Public Records Act (Wyo. Stat. § 16-4-201 through § 16-4-205) establishes the legal framework governing access to government records, including arrest documentation. This legislation balances the public's right to information with privacy protections and law enforcement operational needs.

Key Provisions

The Act defines public records as "any information in a physical form created, accepted, or obtained by the state or any agency, institution or political subdivision of the state in furtherance of its official function and transaction of public business." This broad definition encompasses arrest records generated by law enforcement agencies throughout Wyoming.

Under § 16-4-202, all public records are presumptively open for inspection during normal business hours. Agencies must respond to records requests within a reasonable timeframe, typically interpreted as 7-10 business days. The statute permits reasonable fees for document reproduction, though viewing records in person generally incurs no cost.

Exemptions Relevant to Arrest Records

While Wyoming maintains a presumption of openness, certain exemptions apply to arrest records:

Information that would impair ongoing investigations
Records protected by court order
Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy
Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
Records sealed pursuant to expungement orders

The Wyoming Supreme Court has consistently interpreted these exemptions narrowly, favoring disclosure when the public interest in transparency outweighs privacy concerns. This judicial approach reinforces Wyoming's commitment to governmental accountability through records accessibility.

Requesting Records Under the Act

When seeking arrest records under the Wyoming Public Records Act, requestors should:

Submit specific, written requests identifying the desired records
Provide reasonable timeframes for agency response
Be prepared to pay reasonable reproduction costs
Appeal denials through administrative channels before pursuing judicial remedies

The Wyoming Criminal History FAQs provide additional guidance on navigating the records request process effectively.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Wyoming

Wyoming law provides mechanisms for expungement (sealing) of arrest records under specific circumstances, allowing eligible individuals to mitigate the collateral consequences of criminal justice involvement. The expungement process is governed primarily by Wyo. Stat. § 7-13-1401 through § 7-13-1408.

Eligibility Criteria

Expungement eligibility in Wyoming depends on several factors:

Non-conviction records: Arrests not resulting in conviction may be eligible for expungement after specified waiting periods.
Misdemeanor convictions: Certain misdemeanor convictions become eligible after 5 years from sentence completion.
Felony convictions: Limited felony convictions may be eligible after 10 years from sentence completion.
Juvenile records: Special provisions exist for juvenile records under Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-241.
First-time drug offenses: Specialized expungement provisions apply under Wyo. Stat. § 35-7-1037.

Notably, certain offenses are categorically ineligible for expungement, including violent felonies, sexual offenses, and DUI convictions.

Expungement Procedure

The Wyoming Judicial Branch outlines the following procedure for expungement petitions:

File a petition in the court where the case was adjudicated
Provide fingerprints for background verification
Pay applicable filing fees (approximately $100)
Serve notice on the prosecuting attorney
Attend a hearing if scheduled by the court
Obtain a court order if expungement is granted

The Wyoming Judicial Branch self-help forms include standardized petitions for various expungement scenarios, simplifying the process for pro se petitioners.

Legal Effect of Expungement

When an expungement is granted, the court orders all records related to the arrest and prosecution to be sealed from public access. The individual may legally deny the existence of the expunged record in most contexts, including employment applications. However, expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and may be considered in subsequent criminal proceedings.

The Wyoming Department of Corrections provides additional information regarding restoration of rights following criminal convictions, which complements the expungement process for eligible individuals.

How to Find Local Arrests in Wyoming?

Locating information about recent local arrests in Wyoming requires utilizing multiple resources designed to provide timely public safety information. These resources vary in comprehensiveness and update frequency, but collectively offer a robust picture of law enforcement activity.

County Sheriff and Police Department Websites

Most Wyoming law enforcement agencies maintain websites with dedicated sections for recent arrest information:

Cheyenne Police Department
2060 Capitol Avenue
Cheyenne, WY 82001
(307) 637-6500
Cheyenne Police Department

The department publishes press releases detailing significant arrests and maintains an online incident map.

Casper Police Department
201 North David Street
Casper, WY 82601
(307) 235-8278
Casper Police Department

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Local Media Resources

Wyoming newspapers and broadcast outlets regularly publish police blotters and arrest reports:

The Wyoming Tribune Eagle (Cheyenne)
Casper Star-Tribune
Laramie Boomerang
Wyoming Public Media

These sources typically update arrest information daily or weekly, providing summaries of law enforcement activity within their coverage areas.

Court Docket Systems

The Wyoming Judicial Branch maintains a searchable database of court proceedings, which includes information about recent arrests that have progressed to court appearances. This resource is particularly valuable for tracking case progression and outcomes.

Community Notification Systems

Several Wyoming communities utilize alert systems that include information about significant arrests and public safety concerns:

Nixle alerts (text-based notifications)
Community Facebook pages maintained by law enforcement agencies
Neighborhood watch programs with regular updates

The Wyoming Sex Offender Registry provides specialized information regarding registered sex offenders, including recent arrests for registration violations.

Search Arrest Records in Wyoming

Counties

Albany Big Horn Campbell Goshen Laramie Natrona Park Platte Sheridan Sublette Sweetwater Uinta