Big Horn County, Wyoming Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Big Horn County, Wyoming?
Arrest records are public documents in Big Horn County, Wyoming, pursuant to the Wyoming Public Records Act (Wyo. Stat. § 16-4-201 through 16-4-205). This legislation establishes the fundamental right of citizens to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests and criminal proceedings. The Wyoming Public Records Act operates under the presumption that all government records are open to inspection unless specifically exempted by statute, court rule, or court decision. This framework ensures transparency in governmental operations and allows members of the public to monitor law enforcement activities within the county.
The public nature of these records serves multiple civic purposes:
- Promotes accountability of law enforcement agencies
- Enables citizens to be informed about criminal activity in their communities
- Provides necessary information for background checks and public safety concerns
- Supports journalistic and research endeavors related to criminal justice
Certain sensitive information within arrest records may be redacted to protect privacy interests, including social security numbers, medical information, and details about minors. However, the core information regarding the arrest itself remains accessible to the public.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Big Horn County?
Big Horn County arrest records are available online through several official channels. The Big Horn County Sheriff's Office maintains digital records of recent arrests as part of their commitment to public transparency and community safety. These online resources have been implemented in accordance with Wyoming Statute § 16-4-202(d), which encourages government agencies to make public records available in electronic format when feasible.
The online availability of arrest records is subject to certain limitations:
- Records may not be immediately available following an arrest
- Older records may require additional search procedures
- Some case details may be restricted if related to ongoing investigations
- Juvenile records are generally not accessible online due to confidentiality protections
The Wyoming Judicial Branch also maintains the Wyoming State Court Case Search system, which provides access to court cases that may be associated with arrests in Big Horn County. This system allows users to search for cases by name, case number, or filing date, offering a comprehensive view of court proceedings related to arrests.
How to Look Up Big Horn County Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking Big Horn County arrest records have multiple methods available for conducting searches. Each method offers different advantages depending on the specific information needed and the urgency of the request.
To obtain arrest records in Big Horn County, individuals may:
- Submit a formal records request to the Big Horn County Sheriff's Office located at 417 Murphy Street, Basin, WY 82410. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Phone: (307) 568-2324.
- Visit the Big Horn County Sheriff's Office website to access their online inmate roster and recent arrest information.
- Contact the Clerk of District Court at 420 West C Street, Basin, WY 82410. Phone: (307) 568-2381. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Submit a request to the Wyoming State Archives for historical arrest records dating back to 1900.
- Utilize the Wyoming State Court Case Search portal for associated court cases.
When requesting records in person, requestors should be prepared to:
- Complete a public records request form
- Provide identification
- Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying (typically $0.50 per page for copies and $15.00 per hour for staff research time exceeding 15 minutes)
- Specify the exact information being sought to facilitate efficient processing
Pursuant to Wyoming Statute § 16-4-204, agencies must respond to records requests within seven business days, either by providing the records, denying the request with written explanation, or requesting additional time if circumstances require.
Contents of a Big Horn County Arrest Record
Big Horn County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Wyoming law enforcement protocols and the Wyoming Criminal Justice Information System requirements. These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement authorities.
A comprehensive arrest record in Big Horn County typically includes:
- Biographical information of the arrested individual (full legal name, date of birth, physical description, address)
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest, including citation of relevant Wyoming statutes
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Agency responsible for the arrest (Big Horn County Sheriff's Office, Wyoming Highway Patrol, or municipal police departments)
- Booking information, including mugshot and fingerprint data
- Custody status and bail/bond information
- Case number and court assignment information
- Prior arrest history within the jurisdiction, if applicable
The Circuit Court of the 5th Judicial District maintains records of subsequent court proceedings related to arrests. Located at 420 West C Street, Basin, WY 82410, the court can be contacted at (307) 568-2367 for information regarding case progression following an arrest.
It should be noted that arrest records reflect only the fact that an arrest occurred and do not constitute proof of guilt. Under Wyoming law and the U.S. Constitution, all arrested individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Big Horn County
Wyoming law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records in Big Horn County under specific circumstances. Expungement is the legal process by which arrest records are sealed from public view, effectively removing them from public access while maintaining them for limited law enforcement purposes.
Pursuant to Wyoming Statute § 7-13-1401 through § 7-13-1408, individuals may petition for expungement if they meet the following criteria:
- The arrest did not result in a conviction
- The charges were dismissed or the individual was acquitted
- The individual has completed all terms of their sentence, including probation, for eligible misdemeanor offenses
- The statutory waiting period has elapsed (typically 5 years for misdemeanors and 10 years for certain felonies)
- The individual has no pending criminal charges
The expungement process requires petitioners to:
- File a petition with the Circuit Court of the 5th Judicial District at 420 West C Street, Basin, WY 82410
- Pay the filing fee (approximately $100, though fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners)
- Provide fingerprints and submit to a background check
- Attend a hearing before a judge who will determine if expungement serves the public interest
If granted, an expungement order directs all relevant agencies, including the Big Horn County Sheriff's Office and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, to seal the records. Following expungement, individuals may legally state they have not been arrested for the expunged offense in most circumstances, with exceptions for certain professional licensing and law enforcement contexts.
The Big Horn County Clerk of District Court can provide the necessary forms and procedural guidance for individuals seeking expungement of their arrest records.
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