>Big Horn County Arrest Records Online

Big Horn County, Montana Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Big Horn County, Montana?

Arrest records in Big Horn County, Montana are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1003, which establishes the right to examine and obtain copies of public records. The Montana Public Records Act mandates that governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests and incarcerations, must be available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by state or federal law. This legislative framework ensures transparency in law enforcement operations and upholds the public's right to information regarding criminal justice proceedings within the county.

Members of the public should be aware that while arrest records are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or personal identifying information as stipulated in Montana Code Annotated § 44-5-103. The Big Horn County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules and disclosure protocols established by the Montana Department of Justice.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Big Horn County?

Big Horn County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The Big Horn County Sheriff's Office provides digital access to certain arrest information through their official website and affiliated databases. This online accessibility is authorized under Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1006, which permits agencies to provide electronic access to public records when feasible.

The county's online record system includes recent booking information, inmate status, and basic case details. However, pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 44-5-301, certain sensitive information may be restricted from online access to protect privacy interests and maintain the integrity of ongoing investigations. Users of these online systems should note that the most comprehensive records remain available through in-person requests at the appropriate county offices.

Digital access to arrest records is part of Big Horn County's commitment to governmental transparency while balancing privacy considerations as required by Montana state law. The Big Horn County Detention Center also maintains current inmate information that may be accessed through authorized channels.

How to Look Up Big Horn County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Big Horn County arrest records in 2025 may utilize multiple authorized channels to obtain this information. The following methods are available pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1009:

In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Big Horn County Sheriff's Office located at 121 3rd Street West, Hardin, MT 59034. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Staff can assist with record searches and provide certified copies for a nominal fee as established by county ordinance.
Online Database Access: The Big Horn County Sheriff's CrimeGraphics portal provides limited arrest information and inmate status. This resource is updated regularly in accordance with Montana Code Annotated § 44-5-103(13).
Montana Court System Portal: The Montana Judicial Branch's public access portal contains case information related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings. Users must register for an account to access certain records.
Written Requests: Formal written requests may be submitted to the Records Division at the Big Horn County Sheriff's Office. Requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Processing times typically range from 5-10 business days in accordance with Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1006(3).
District Court Records: The Big Horn County District Court maintains records of cases resulting from arrests. These records may be accessed at the courthouse located at 121 3rd Street West, Hardin, MT 59034, during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).

Requestors should be prepared to pay applicable fees for record searches and copies as established by Big Horn County Resolution 2023-14, which sets the fee schedule for public records requests.

Contents of a Big Horn County Arrest Record

Big Horn County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Montana Code Annotated § 44-5-103. These official documents typically include the following elements:

Biographical Information: Full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors (height, weight, eye and hair color, identifying marks such as tattoos or scars)
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest; arresting agency and officer identification; statutory authority for the arrest; and circumstances leading to apprehension
Criminal Charges: Complete listing of all charges filed, including Montana Code Annotated citations, charge classification (felony/misdemeanor), and charge descriptions
Booking Information: Booking number, date and time of processing, fingerprint classification data, and photographic identification (mugshot)
Custody Status: Current detention status, facility location, bond or bail amount if applicable, and release conditions if granted
Case Disposition: Court of jurisdiction, case number, scheduled appearances, and preliminary hearing information
Prior Criminal History: References to previous arrests and convictions within Big Horn County jurisdiction, subject to disclosure limitations under Montana Code Annotated § 44-5-302

These records are maintained by the Big Horn County Sheriff's Office and the Big Horn County Detention Center located at 121 3rd Street West, Hardin, MT 59034. Phone: 406-665-9792.

Pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 44-5-301, certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, including confidential informant identities, juvenile records, and information that might compromise ongoing investigations.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Big Horn County

Big Horn County residents may petition for expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances as provided in Montana Code Annotated § 46-18-1101 through § 46-18-1111. Expungement eligibility is determined by several statutory factors:

Dismissal of Charges: When charges have been dismissed with prejudice or the individual has been acquitted at trial, expungement may be requested after a waiting period of one year from the date of dismissal or acquittal.
Deferred Prosecution: Individuals who have successfully completed deferred prosecution agreements may petition for expungement after fulfilling all terms and conditions of their agreement.
Misdemeanor Convictions: Certain misdemeanor convictions may be eligible for expungement five years after completion of the sentence, provided the individual has not been convicted of any other offense during that period.
Felony Convictions: Limited categories of non-violent felony convictions may be eligible for expungement ten years after completion of the sentence, subject to prosecutorial review and judicial discretion.

The expungement process requires filing a formal petition with the Big Horn County District Court located at 121 3rd Street West, Hardin, MT 59034. Phone: 406-665-9720. Petitioners must provide certified copies of relevant court documents, criminal history verification, and a filing fee of $100 as established by Montana Code Annotated § 46-18-1106.

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 and public safety. The County Attorney's Office and any victims of the offense must be notified and may present testimony regarding the petition.

If granted, an expungement order directs all county agencies to seal the arrest record from public view, though certain government agencies may retain access for law enforcement purposes as specified in Montana Code Annotated § 46-18-1109.