Cascade County Warrant Search

Thank you for visiting. We aim to provide clear information for your Cascade County MT Warrant Search. Our goal is to help you find the resources you need in one place. We will cover how to check for warrants and who to contact.

If you want to start your Cascade County MT Warrant Search right now, you can visit https://cascadecountyjails.org/cascade-county-mt-warrant-search/. This resource may offer quick access to search tools or links. Checking official sources is key for accurate warrant status. Make sure you have the full name and date of birth for the person you are searching for. Using that site could be your first step.

Conducting Your Cascade County MT Warrant Search

There are ways to check for active warrants in Cascade County. You can look online. You can call offices. You can go in person. Each way has steps to follow. Knowing where to look saves time.

Online Search Options

The State of Montana offers ways to check records online. The Montana Department of Justice runs the Criminal History Online Public Record Search (CHOPRS). This search checks state criminal records. It may show warrant data. You need the person's full name and birth date. A Social Security number helps but is not required. There is a fee for this search. It is $20 per name for online public users. Mail-in checks cost $15. Find this tool here: https://dojmt.gov/dci-home/background-checks/. Note this is a full background check. It includes more than just warrants.

The City of Great Falls Municipal Court has its own online portal. This portal lets you check for warrants issued by their court. Go to https://greatfallsmt.net/municipalcourt/warrants-list. On the portal page, select "Great Falls Municipal Court" from the list. Then click login. Use the "Party Search" under the Searches tab. Enter the name and other details. You can also search by case number under the Cases tab. This search is only for Great Falls city cases. It does not show county or state warrants from other courts.

Montana's Judicial Branch also has a public access portal for District Court cases. This is found at https://dcportal.pubcourts.mt.gov/. You can select "Cascade District Court" and log in. Check the scheduling tab for public hearing dates. While not a direct warrant list, case information found here may show if a warrant was issued in a District Court case. District Courts handle felony cases and larger civil suits. This portal covers those higher-level court actions across the state, including Cascade County. You might need case numbers or party names.

Checking Warrants by Phone

You can call local offices to ask about warrants. The Cascade County website FAQ page says to contact the Sheriff's Department for warrant info. Call the Cascade County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (406) 454-6820. Be ready to give the full name and date of birth. They can tell you if they hold a warrant.

Other courts handle their own warrants too.

• For warrants from the Great Falls Municipal Court, call (406) 771-1380. This court handles city ordinance violations and misdemeanors from the Great Falls Police.

• For warrants from Cascade County Justice Court, call (406) 454-6873. This court handles misdemeanors from the Sheriff's Office, Highway Patrol, and Fish, Wildlife & Parks. It also handles small claims.

• For warrants from Cascade County District Court, call the Clerk of Court at (406) 604-7796. This court deals with felony cases.

Phone checks may have limits. Staff might only confirm a warrant. They may not give full details over the phone. They need correct info to search.

In-Person Warrant Checks

You can visit offices in person to ask about warrants. This often requires a valid photo ID.

• Cascade County Sheriff's Office: Visit the Records Division at 3800 Ulm N Frontage Rd, Great Falls, MT 59404. Their front counter is open Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. They close for lunch from 12 PM to 1 PM. Ask the records staff to check for warrants.

• Cascade County Clerk of District Court: Go to the Cascade County Courthouse at 415 2nd Ave N, Suite 200A, Great Falls, MT 59401. Their office phone is (406) 604-7796. Typical courthouse hours are Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. They handle felony case records.

• Cascade County Justice Court: Located in the same courthouse building at 415 2nd Ave N, Great Falls, MT 59401. The phone number is (406) 454-6873. Their hours are Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM. They handle county misdemeanor warrants.

• Great Falls Municipal Court: Found in the Civic Center, Room 2, at 2 Park Drive South, Great Falls, MT. The phone is (406) 771-1380. Check their website or call for public service hours, likely Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. They handle city warrants.

Going in person allows direct questions. You can often get more details than by phone. Staff can verify your identity. They can explain the warrant status clearly. Fees for copies might apply if you need paperwork.

Understanding Warrants in Cascade County

Warrants are official court orders. They give law enforcement power to act. This might mean arrest or search. Knowing the types helps understand the process.

Types of Warrants Issued

Two main types of warrants lead to arrest in Cascade County.

• Arrest Warrants: A judge issues these based on probable cause. Law enforcement must show reason to think a crime was done. The person named is suspected. These warrants allow police to arrest the person. Rules for these are in the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) Title 46, Chapter 6. See state law here: https://leg.mt.gov/bills/mca_toc/index.html.

• Bench Warrants: A judge issues these from the "bench" or court. This often happens if someone fails to show up for court. Or they might fail to pay fines. Or they ignore a court order. These order the person be brought to court. Rules related to court appearance and bail are in MCA Title 46, Chapter 9.

There are also Search Warrants. These let police search a place for evidence. They are confidential until served. Rules are in MCA § 46-5-226 and § 46-5-227.

The Warrant Issuance Process

How does a warrant get issued? Law enforcement or a county attorney requests it. They present facts to a judge. This happens in Municipal Court, Justice Court, or District Court. The judge reviews the facts. They decide if there is probable cause. This means enough reason to believe a crime occurred or rules were broken. If the judge agrees, they sign the warrant. It becomes an active legal order. The process ensures judicial review before an arrest or search.

After a Warrant is Issued

Once signed, the warrant goes into effect. It is entered into law enforcement computer systems. This includes local Cascade County systems. It may also go into state and federal databases. An officer who stops someone can check for warrants. If an active warrant pops up, they can arrest the person. Warrants stay active until resolved or recalled by the court. Some warrants are only valid in the city or county. Others are valid across Montana or even nationwide. The scope depends on the crime and the issuing court.

What To Do If You Find an Active Warrant

Finding out you have a warrant can be scary. Taking steps quickly is wise. Do not ignore it. It will not go away on its own.

Seek Legal Guidance

Your first step should be to talk to a lawyer. An attorney can explain your rights. They can review the warrant details. They can advise you on the best way to deal with it. A lawyer can contact the court or prosecutor for you. They help you navigate the legal system. This can lead to a better result.

If you cannot afford a lawyer, contact the local Public Defender's office. The Office of Public Defenders in Cascade County is at 615 2nd Ave North, 3rd Floor. Their phone number is (406) 770-3200. They provide legal help to those who qualify based on income. You can also find private attorneys through the State Bar of Montana's referral services found on their website: https://www.montanabar.org/For-the-Public/Find-a-Lawyer. Getting legal advice early is very important.