Cascade County Arrest Records

Thank you for visiting. We aim to give you clear facts on finding Cascade County MT Arrest Records. This page has contact info. It lists ways to get the records you need. We work hard to help you find this key data fast. We hope this page helps you.

If you want to search for Cascade County MT Arrest Records right now, please visit https://cascadecountyjails.org/cascade-county-mt-arrest-records/ to begin your check. This site offers tools and links. It can help speed up your task. You can start the search now. Or read on for more details on how and where to find these public files in Cascade County.

What Are Cascade County MT Arrest Records?

Defining an Arrest Record

An arrest record is an official paper. It marks when police take a person into custody. This happens when there is probable cause. It means police think the person broke the law. The record starts when the person is booked. Booking takes place at a jail or police station. This record is just the start. It does not mean the person is guilty. A court case must still take place. The arrest record shows the first step in that process.

Information in Arrest Records

Montana law lists what is public in arrest records. This comes from MCA § 44-5-103(13). You can often find the person's full name. Their date of birth may be there too. Key facts include the date of the arrest. The time and place are also listed. The paper shows the charges filed at the time. It names the police agency that made the arrest. Booking details might be part of it. This could list things like a mug shot. Or it could note fingerprints were taken. Daily jail logs are also public. These show who is in jail each day. Bail information is public too.

Arrest Records vs. Conviction Records

It is key to know the difference here. An arrest record shows police took someone in. It suggests they thought a crime took place. A conviction record is very different. It means a court found the person guilty. This comes after a trial or a plea deal. Not all arrests lead to a conviction. Charges might be dropped. A jury might find the person not guilty. So, an arrest shows suspicion. A conviction shows legal guilt found by a court. These are not the same type of record.

Arrest Records vs. Court Case Files

Arrest records are made by law enforcement. The Cascade County Sheriff's Office makes many. Court case files are made by the courts. This is the job of the Cascade County Clerk of District Court. Court files start after charges are filed with the court. They track the whole legal case. This includes hearings, motions, and the final outcome. While court files use arrest info, they are much broader. They hold all papers tied to the court case. An arrest record is just one piece from the start.

Accessing Cascade County MT Arrest Records

Cascade County Sheriff's Office (CCSO)

The Sheriff's Office is key for Cascade County MT Arrest Records. They handle arrests in the county. This is often outside Great Falls city limits. They create the first reports for these arrests. These initial offense reports are public data. You can ask for copies of these reports.

How to Request Records from CCSO

You can ask for records in two main ways. You can go to the Sheriff's Office in person. Or you can mail your request. They have a "Request for Report" form. You should use this form if you can. Fill it out with care. Give as much detail as you know. This helps them find the right file. Include names, dates, and case numbers if known.

• In-Person: Visit the records desk during open hours. Bring the filled form or fill one out there. You may need to show ID.

• Mail: Send the filled form to their address. Include payment if fees apply. Add a self addressed stamped envelope if needed.

CCSO Contact Information

• Address: 3800 Ulm N Frontage Rd, Great Falls, MT 59404

• Phone: 406-454-6820

• Fax: 406-454-6948

• Records Desk Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Note they close for lunch from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. They are closed on holidays.

Potential Fees

The CCSO may charge for copies of reports. They have a fee schedule. Check their website or call the records desk. Ask about costs before you ask for records. Fees must cover the real cost to find and copy papers. Montana law sets rules for these fees. You have the right to ask for a cost quote first.

Cascade County Detention Center (CCDC)

The Detention Center is the county jail. It is run by the Sheriff's Office. Its main job is to hold inmates. They keep lists of who is in jail now. This is often called an inmate roster or daily log. These lists are public under state law. But the jail itself may not handle requests for old arrest reports. Those requests usually go to the main Sheriff's records desk.

Inmate Lookups

You can often find out if someone is in jail now. The Sheriff's Office might have an online tool. Or you can call the Detention Center. Some jails use outside firms like Securus Technologies. Securus handles things like inmate phone calls (800-844-6591). They might offer some public lookup tools too. Accesscorrections.com is used for adding funds to inmate accounts. Check the official Cascade County Sheriff's Office website first. It should point to any online inmate search they offer.

CCDC Contact Information

• Address: 3800 Ulm N Frontage Rd, Great Falls, MT 59404 (Same complex as Sheriff's Office)

• Jail Phone: Call the main Sheriff number (406-454-6820) and ask for the jail, or check if a direct jail number like 406-454-6884 is listed for inmate info.

Inmate Services

If you need to contact an inmate, use official ways. Mail must be sent to the jail address. Use the inmate's full name. Mail rules are strict. All mail (except legal mail) is scanned. Original mail is often thrown out after scanning. There are limits on photos and page counts. Check the CCSO website for full mail rules. Phone calls use Securus. You can add money to inmate accounts. Use the lobby kiosk or Accesscorrections.com. Or mail a money order to the jail address.

Cascade County Clerk of District Court

The Clerk of Court keeps records for the District Court. These are not arrest records themselves. They are court case files. These files start after the County Attorney files charges. Court records detail the legal process. This includes filings related to an arrest. The Clerk keeps files for many case types. These include criminal, civil, and family cases.

Accessing Court Records

Court records are mostly public. You can ask for copies from the Clerk's office. They hold files for the 8th Judicial District Court in Cascade County.

How to Request Court Records

Like the Sheriff, you can ask in person or by mail. The Clerk's office has forms for this. Look for a "Copies and Search Request Documents" form. You can find this on the Cascade County website. Fill it out fully. Be clear about the case or person you need info on. Case numbers are very helpful.

• In-Person: Visit the Clerk's office. Their main office is in the Cascade County Courthouse. Bring your request form or fill one out there. Be ready to pay copy fees.

• Mail: Send the request form to the Clerk's address. Include payment for expected fees. Check with the office about costs first.

Clerk of Court Contact Information

• Address: 415 2nd Ave N, Room 200A, Great Falls, MT 59401

• Phone: 406-454-6780 (This is the main number listed for general services like Jury/Records)

• Fax: 406-454-6907

• Office Hours: General hours are likely 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday. But some services have set hours. For example, Marriage License hours are 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Call ahead to check hours for record requests.

Online Access

The Montana Judicial Branch offers online access. They have Public Access Portals. These portals may let you search some court case information online. Check the Montana Judicial Branch website for links. Look for the District Court portal. What you can see online might be limited. You may still need to ask the Clerk for full copies.

Fees for Court Records

The Clerk charges fees for copies of court records. Fees are set by law or court rules. Ask the Clerk's office about the cost per page. Or check their fee schedule if it is online. You will need to pay before you get copies.

Montana Public Records Laws and Arrest Records

Overview of Montana Public Records Act

Montana strongly supports open government. The state Constitution guarantees the right to know. This right includes access to public records. Title 2, Chapter 6 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) details this. This law applies to all state and local government agencies. That includes the Cascade County Sheriff and Clerk of Court. The law defines what a public record is. It sets rules for how people can see and copy them. The goal is to let citizens watch government actions.

Right to Examine Public Records

MCA § 2-6-1003 states the core right. Every person has a right to inspect public writings in Montana. There are some limits, mainly for privacy. But most government records are open. This includes records about arrests. You have the right to go to the agency. You can ask to look at the records there. You do not always have to ask for copies.

Public Nature of Arrest Records

State law makes arrest records public. MCA § 44-5-301 says law enforcement must make arrest records available. This should happen during normal business hours. This means the public can access key details. What police did when they made an arrest is open info. This helps keep police work clear to the public.

Specific Public Information

What parts of an arrest record are public? MCA 44-5-103(13) helps define this. It lists things like daily jail rosters. Initial offense reports are public too. These show the first details of the alleged crime. Basic arrest facts are open. This includes who was arrested and why. Bail amounts set for release are also public. This law helps balance privacy with the public right to know.

Exemptions and Confidentiality

Not every piece of data is public. The law protects some sensitive information. Juvenile arrest records are usually kept private. Information about victims is often protected. MCA § 44-5-311 outlines victim privacy rules. Records tied to an active police probe may be kept secret. This protects the case while police work on it. Criminal intelligence data is often exempt. Fingerprints and some police photos may not be public. If records are deemed private, you may need a court order. A subpoena might be needed to get them. MCA Rule 45 explains how subpoenas work in Montana courts.

Costs for Obtaining Records

Can agencies charge for records? Yes, under MCA § 2-6-1006. They can charge for the real cost of finding and copying records. They must tell you the estimated cost first. You usually pay before they make copies. Costs should be fair and based on actual work. The law aims for the cheapest and fastest way to fill requests. Some argue charging just to look at records is wrong. The state Constitution gives the right to examine records. This implies looking should be free. But expect to pay for copies you take with you.

Statewide Criminal History Checks

Sometimes you need more than just a local arrest record. Montana offers ways to check statewide criminal history. These checks often focus on convictions. But they can be part of finding arrest data too. Two main state agencies handle this.

Montana Department of Justice (DOJ) - Criminal Records

The DOJ's Criminal Records section keeps statewide data. This is often used for background checks. Law enforcement uses it too. The public can access some data.

Purpose

DOJ records usually show convictions. They might list arrests too. But the main focus is on formal findings of guilt. Employers often use these checks.

Online Search: CHOPRS

The public can search online. Use the CHOPRS portal. That stands for Criminal History Online Public Record Search. You need the person's full name. You also need their date of birth. Giving a Social Security number helps but is not required. There is a fee for each search. It is currently $20 per name searched. You pay online with a card or eCheck. Access it via the Montana DOJ Background Checks page.

Mail-in / In-Person Requests

You can also ask by mail or in person. A name based check costs $15 by mail. Include the person's name, DOB, and SSN if known. Send a check or money order. Send it to the DOJ Criminal Records address. You can also request a check based on fingerprints. This costs $10. You need a fingerprint card. Local police can help get one. Or ask the DOJ. You can go to the DOJ office in Helena. They offer walk in service. You can ask for checks or get fingerprints taken there.

DOJ Contact

• Address: 2225 11th Avenue, Helena, MT

• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Montana Department of Corrections (DOC) Offender Search

The DOC tracks people under its control. This means inmates in state prisons. It also includes people on parole or probation.

Purpose

This tool shows the status of convicted offenders. It tells you if someone is in prison. Or if they are supervised in the community. It does not list all arrests. It only covers people sentenced to DOC control.

Search Method

The DOC has an online search tool. You can find it here: https://app.mt.gov/conweb/. You can search by the person's DOC ID number. Or you can search by their first and last name. The results show their current status. It lists their offenses and sentence details.

Limitations

This search is narrow. It will not show arrests that did not lead to DOC time. It won't show county jail inmates unless they are held for the DOC. Use it only when checking on convicted felons or those on state supervision.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Montana

Sometimes people can clear their record. Montana law allows for expungement in some cases. This means the record is destroyed or erased. It helps people move past old issues.

Definition of Expungement

MCA § 46-18-1103 defines expungement. It means the record is gone for good. It is removed from the state criminal history system. This system is run by the Montana DOJ. Expungement makes the record very hard to find. It treats the event as if it did not happen legally.

Eligibility Criteria

Not all records can be expunged. MCA § 46-18-1104 sets the rules. Expungement is mostly for arrests that did not lead to conviction. If charges were dropped or you were found not guilty, you might qualify. Some misdemeanor convictions can also be expunged. There are limits based on the type of crime. And how much time has passed. You usually cannot expunge felony convictions this way. You must meet all rules in the law.

Filing Process

How do you ask for expungement? MCA § 46-18-1105 and § 46-18-1106 explain it. You must file a Petition for Expungement. File it in the District Court where the arrest or conviction happened. So for a Cascade County case, file it there. You must serve a copy of your petition. Give it to the County Attorney's office. They handled the original case. The court will review your request. The prosecutor can object. The judge makes the final choice. If approved, the judge orders the record expunged. The DOJ then removes it from their system. This process can be complex. Getting legal advice may help.