Rock Springs Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Rock Springs, Wyoming?
Arrest records are public documents in Rock Springs, Wyoming, pursuant to the Wyoming Public Records Act (Wyo. Stat. § 16-4-201 through 16-4-205). This legislation establishes the framework for public access to government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies. The statute affirms that all public records shall be open for inspection by any person at reasonable times, except as provided by law or as otherwise specified.
The Wyoming Public Records Act serves to promote transparency in governmental operations and accountability of public officials. By maintaining arrest records as public documents, the statute enables citizens to monitor law enforcement activities and judicial proceedings. Members of the public may access these records for various legitimate purposes, including background checks, research, and general information gathering.
It should be noted that certain information within arrest records may be redacted or restricted in accordance with privacy laws and other statutory provisions. Such restrictions typically apply to sensitive personal information, juvenile records, and ongoing investigations where disclosure might compromise public safety or the integrity of the legal process.
How to Look Up Rock Springs Arrest Records in 2025
The retrieval of arrest records in Rock Springs has been streamlined through various channels to accommodate public needs. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following methods:
In-Person Requests at Law Enforcement Agencies: Citizens may visit the Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office located at 50140 US Highway 191 South, Rock Springs, WY 82901. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone: (307) 922-5300.
Rock Springs Police Department Records Division: Located at 221 C Street, Rock Springs, WY 82901. The records division is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone: (307) 352-1575.
Sweetwater County Clerk of District Court: For arrest records that have proceeded to court cases, individuals may contact the office at 80 West Flaming Gorge Way, Green River, WY 82935. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (307) 872-6400.
Online Database Access: The Sweetwater County Sheriff's Records Division provides information on accessing certain records electronically. Some records may require registration and payment of applicable fees.
Third-Party Record Services: Commercial services aggregate public records, including arrests, and make them available through subscription-based platforms. Users should verify the accuracy and currency of information obtained through these services.
Pursuant to Wyoming Statute § 16-4-204, agencies may charge reasonable fees for record reproduction and staff time required to fulfill requests. Fee schedules are typically posted at the respective agencies or on their official websites.
Contents of a Rock Springs Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Rock Springs law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as prescribed by Wyoming state regulations and local protocols. A comprehensive arrest record typically includes:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and other identifying physical characteristics.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); agency responsible for the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Specific statutory violations alleged, including citation of applicable Wyoming Criminal Code sections and municipal ordinances.
Booking Information: Processing details including fingerprinting, photographing (mugshot), and assignment of booking identification numbers.
Detention Status: Information regarding bail determination, release conditions, or continued detention.
Case Disposition: If available, the outcome of the case including dismissal, conviction, sentencing, or other resolution.
Prior Criminal History: References to previous arrests or convictions may be included if relevant to the current case.
In accordance with Wyoming Statute § 7-19-106, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and information pertaining to victims of certain offenses.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Rock Springs
Wyoming law provides mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. Expungement effectively seals records from public view, though they may remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for legitimate purposes. The process is governed by Wyoming Statute § 7-13-1401 through § 7-13-1408.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Rock Springs include:
Non-Conviction Cases: Individuals arrested but not charged, or whose charges were dismissed or resulted in acquittal, may petition for expungement after specified waiting periods.
Misdemeanor Convictions: Persons convicted of certain misdemeanors may apply for expungement five years after completing all terms of their sentence, provided they have no subsequent criminal convictions.
Felony Convictions: Limited categories of felony convictions may be eligible for expungement ten years after sentence completion, subject to stringent requirements and judicial discretion.
Juvenile Records: Special provisions exist for the expungement of juvenile arrest and court records under Wyoming Statute § 14-6-241.
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Sweetwater County District Court, located at 80 West Flaming Gorge Way, Green River, WY 82935. Petitioners must provide certified copies of relevant court documents, criminal history verification, and may need to attend a hearing before a district judge. The Sweetwater County Clerk of District Court can provide procedural guidance and necessary forms.
Certain serious offenses, including violent felonies, sexual offenses, and DUI convictions, are generally ineligible for expungement under Wyoming law. Additionally, federal charges and convictions are not subject to state expungement provisions.
Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access
While arrest records are generally public in Wyoming, several statutory and regulatory provisions limit access to certain information. These restrictions serve to balance transparency with privacy concerns and the protection of sensitive investigations.
Wyoming Statute § 6-2-310 prohibits the disclosure of identifying information regarding victims of sexual assault. Similarly, Wyoming Statute § 14-3-214 restricts access to records involving child abuse investigations. Law enforcement agencies in Rock Springs must redact such protected information before releasing arrest records to the public.
The Rock Springs Municipal Court and Sweetwater County Circuit Court maintain additional protocols for the protection of confidential information in accordance with Wyoming Supreme Court rules and administrative directives.
Federal laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), may further restrict the disclosure of certain information contained in arrest records when such records include protected health or educational data.
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