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Sheridan Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Sheridan, Wyoming?

Arrest records in Sheridan, Wyoming are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to Wyoming Public Records Act (W.S. § 16-4-201 through 16-4-205). This legislation establishes that government records, including those documenting arrests, shall be available for public inspection. The transparency mandate serves multiple public interests, including community awareness, governmental accountability, and the constitutional right to information about law enforcement activities.

The Wyoming Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access arrest records, with limited exceptions for ongoing investigations or cases involving juveniles as specified in W.S. § 14-6-239. Members of the public seeking arrest information may obtain these records through designated governmental agencies without demonstrating a specific purpose for their request.

Law enforcement agencies in Sheridan County maintain these records in accordance with state retention schedules established by the Wyoming Department of Archives. The Sheridan County Sheriff's Office and Sheridan Police Department serve as the primary custodians of arrest records within their respective jurisdictions.

How to Look Up Sheridan Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Sheridan, Wyoming. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following resources:

Online Public Records Portal: The City of Sheridan Public Records Portal provides electronic access to various public records, including certain arrest information. Users must create an account and may be subject to nominal fees for document retrieval as authorized by W.S. § 16-4-204.
Sheridan Police Department Records Division: 45 W 12th Street Sheridan, WY 82801 (307) 672-2413 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM The Records Division maintains arrest reports, incident reports, and related documentation. Requestors must complete a standard form and present valid identification.
Sheridan County Sheriff's Office: 54 West 13th Street Sheridan, WY 82801 (307) 672-3455 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM The Sheriff's Office maintains comprehensive records of arrests conducted within county jurisdiction outside city limits.
Sheridan County Courthouse: 224 South Main Street, Suite B11 Sheridan, WY 82801 (307) 674-2900 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Court records related to arrests, including charging documents and case dispositions, are available through the Clerk of Court's office.

Pursuant to W.S. § 16-4-202, agencies must respond to record requests within seven business days. Fees for copies may be assessed according to established fee schedules, with standard document copies typically costing $0.50 per page. Certified copies may incur additional charges as authorized by statute.

Contents of a Sheridan Arrest Record

Sheridan arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Wyoming law enforcement protocols and the Wyoming Criminal Justice Information Services regulations. These records typically include:

Full legal name and known aliases of the arrested individual
Date of birth and demographic information (age, gender, race)
Physical descriptors (height, weight, identifying marks)
Residential address at time of arrest
Date, time, and specific location of arrest
Statutory charges filed, including Wyoming statute citations
Arresting agency and officer identification
Booking information, including:
- Booking number and facility
- Fingerprint classification
- Booking photographs ("mugshots")
Detention status and bail information
Case disposition if available
Prior arrest history within jurisdiction

The Sheridan County Detention Center maintains additional records related to post-arrest incarceration. These records document intake assessments, housing assignments, and release information.

Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public arrest records in accordance with W.S. § 16-4-203, including social security numbers, medical information, and details that might compromise ongoing investigations. Juvenile arrest records are subject to stricter confidentiality provisions under Wyoming law.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Sheridan

Wyoming law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to W.S. § 7-13-1401 through § 7-13-1408, individuals may petition for expungement when:

The arrest did not result in a conviction
The case was dismissed or resulted in acquittal
The individual has completed all terms of a deferred prosecution
The statutory waiting period has elapsed following completion of sentence for eligible misdemeanors (5 years) or eligible felonies (10 years)

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Sheridan County District Court:

Sheridan County District Court 224 South Main Street Sheridan, WY 82801 (307) 674-4478 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Petitioners must submit:

Completed petition form
Certified copy of disposition documents
Criminal history verification
Filing fee ($100 as of 2025, subject to change)

The court will schedule a hearing where the petitioner must demonstrate eligibility under statutory criteria. If granted, the expungement order directs all relevant agencies to seal the records from public view. Law enforcement agencies retain access to expunged records for limited purposes as specified in W.S. § 7-13-1408.

The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation must be notified of any expungement order to ensure removal from state databases. Expunged records remain accessible to criminal justice agencies for specific purposes but are shielded from public disclosure.

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

While Wyoming law generally favors public access to arrest records, several statutory exceptions limit disclosure in certain circumstances. The following restrictions apply to arrest records in Sheridan:

Juvenile records are confidential pursuant to W.S. § 14-6-239, with limited exceptions for certain violent offenses
Records pertaining to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld under W.S. § 16-4-203(b)(i)
Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy may be redacted
Records sealed by court order following expungement proceedings
Information specifically protected by other statutes, including certain domestic violence and sexual assault victim information

The Sheridan Municipal Court and other judicial entities may impose additional restrictions on certain case records pursuant to court rules or judicial orders. Agencies may require written verification of compliance with these restrictions before releasing sensitive records.

Law enforcement agencies maintain discretion regarding the timing and manner of releasing arrest information when disclosure might compromise public safety or investigative integrity. The Sheridan Police Department publishes regular activity summaries that include selected arrest information while adhering to applicable disclosure limitations.