Lovell Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Lovell, Wyoming?
Arrest records in Lovell, Wyoming are public documents pursuant to the Wyoming Public Records Act (W.S. § 16-4-201 through 16-4-205). This legislation establishes the fundamental right of citizens to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made within the jurisdiction. The public nature of these records serves multiple governmental functions, including maintaining transparency in law enforcement operations, ensuring accountability of public officials, and providing citizens with information relevant to public safety.
The Wyoming Public Records Act specifically designates arrest records as public information, with certain limited exceptions for ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and cases where disclosure might compromise public safety or individual privacy rights as outlined in W.S. § 16-4-203. Members of the public seeking arrest information may obtain these records through established channels maintained by local law enforcement agencies and the Big Horn County Sheriff's Office.
It should be noted that while arrest records are public, they document only the fact that an arrest occurred and do not constitute proof of guilt. Under Wyoming law and the U.S. Constitution, all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
How to Look Up Lovell Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist through which members of the public may access arrest records in Lovell, Wyoming. The following methods are available pursuant to Wyoming's public records statutes:
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Lovell Police Department located at 355 East 5th Street, Lovell, WY 82431. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Proper identification must be presented, and applicable fees may apply for document reproduction.
Big Horn County Sheriff's Office: Records may also be requested through the county sheriff at 417 Murphy Street, Basin, WY 82410. Telephone: (307) 568-2324. The Big Horn County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the entire county, including Lovell.
Written Requests: Formal written requests may be submitted by mail to either agency. Requests must include the requestor's full name, contact information, and specific details about the records being sought.
Online Access: The Town of Lovell provides limited online access to certain public records. Additionally, the Big Horn County Sheriff's Office maintains an online database of recent arrests through their partnership with CrimeGraphics.
Circuit Court Records: The Circuit Court of the 5th Judicial District located at 355 East 5th Street, Lovell, WY 82431 maintains records of court proceedings related to arrests. Telephone: (307) 548-7571.
Pursuant to W.S. § 16-4-204, agencies may charge reasonable fees for document reproduction and staff time required to fulfill requests. Fee schedules are available upon request at each agency.
Contents of a Lovell Arrest Record
Standard arrest records maintained by the Lovell Police Department and Big Horn County Sheriff's Office contain specific information as mandated by Wyoming state law. These records typically include:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, physical description, and any known aliases or previous identities.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; the specific statutory violations alleged; and the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s).
Case Information: Assigned case number, booking details, and the status of the case within the criminal justice system.
Photographic Documentation: Booking photographs ("mugshots") taken at the time of processing.
Biometric Data: Fingerprints and, in some cases, other biometric identifiers collected during booking procedures.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, release conditions, or continued detention.
Jurisdictional Information: The specific law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over the case and the court where charges have been or will be filed.
It should be noted that pursuant to the Wyoming Code of Ordinances, certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, particularly in cases involving minors, sexual assault victims, or when disclosure might compromise an ongoing investigation.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Lovell
Wyoming state law provides mechanisms through which certain arrest records may be expunged or sealed from public view. The expungement process in Lovell follows Wyoming Statute § 7-13-1401 through § 7-13-1408, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.
Individuals may petition for expungement under the following circumstances:
- Cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal may be eligible for immediate expungement.
- Misdemeanor convictions may be eligible after five years from the completion of the sentence, provided no subsequent criminal convictions have occurred.
- Certain felony convictions may be eligible for expungement ten years after sentence completion, subject to statutory limitations.
- First-time drug possession offenses may qualify for expungement under specific conditions outlined in W.S. § 7-13-301.
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Circuit Court of the 5th Judicial District in Lovell. Petitioners must provide:
- Complete criminal history information
- Certified court documents related to the case
- Proof of completion of all sentencing requirements
- Payment of applicable filing fees
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing where the petitioner must demonstrate that expungement serves the interests of justice. The prosecuting attorney and any victims have the right to present evidence regarding the petition.
If granted, an expungement order requires all public agencies to seal records relating to the arrest and conviction. However, these records remain available to law enforcement agencies for specific purposes authorized by statute.
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