Dawson County, Montana Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Dawson County, Montana?
Arrest records are public in Dawson County, Montana, pursuant to the Montana Public Records Act (Mont. Code Ann. § 2-6-1001 et seq.). This legislation establishes the fundamental right of citizens to examine and obtain copies of public records maintained by governmental bodies. The Montana Constitution, Article II, Section 9, further reinforces this right by declaring that "no person shall be deprived of the right to examine documents or to observe the deliberations of all public bodies or agencies of state government and its subdivisions."
The Dawson County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its statutory duties under Montana law. These records document law enforcement activities and are considered public documents unless specifically exempted by statute. Members of the public seeking arrest information may access these records through established procedures, subject to reasonable fees for reproduction costs as permitted under Mont. Code Ann. § 2-6-1006.
It should be noted that while arrest records are generally public, certain information within these records may be redacted to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, or in accordance with court orders. The Dawson County Clerk and Recorder's Office serves as the custodian for many county records and can provide guidance on specific record availability.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Dawson County?
Dawson County provides limited online access to arrest records through official county websites and databases. The Dawson County Correctional Facility maintains current inmate rosters that are periodically updated and available for public viewing. These online resources typically include basic information about individuals currently in custody, including names, booking dates, and charges.
The county periodically publishes jail rosters online, such as those from April 2018 and August 2019, which provide snapshots of incarcerated individuals at specific points in time. These documents are made available as part of the county's commitment to transparency in governmental operations.
Online access to comprehensive historical arrest records may be limited, as the county continues to digitize its record-keeping systems. For more detailed or historical arrest information, requestors may need to contact the appropriate county offices directly or submit formal records requests. The online availability of records is subject to change as Dawson County implements technological upgrades to its information systems.
How to Look Up Dawson County Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking Dawson County arrest records have multiple methods available for conducting searches. The following procedures have been established to facilitate public access while maintaining record integrity:
- Visit the Dawson County Sheriff's Office: Individuals may request arrest records in person at the Sheriff's Office. Staff will assist with locating relevant records and providing copies in accordance with established fee schedules.
Dawson County Sheriff's Office
440 Colorado Blvd
Glendive, MT 59330
Phone: (406) 377-5291
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Contact the Dawson County Correctional Facility: For information about current inmates or recent arrests, the correctional facility maintains up-to-date records.
Dawson County Correctional Facility
440 Colorado Blvd
Glendive, MT 59330
Phone: (406) 377-7600
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Submit a Records Request to the Clerk and Recorder: The Dawson County Clerk and Recorder's Office maintains historical records dating back to 1881 and can process formal records requests.
Dawson County Clerk and Recorder
207 West Bell Street
Glendive, MT 59330
Phone: (406) 377-3962
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Check Court Records: The Dawson County Clerk of Court maintains records of criminal proceedings that may contain arrest information.
Dawson County Clerk of Court
207 W. Bell St.
Glendive, MT 59330
Phone: (406) 377-3967
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Pursuant to Mont. Code Ann. § 2-6-1006, reasonable fees may be charged for searching for and copying public records. Payment methods accepted include cash, check, or money order made payable to the appropriate Dawson County department.
Contents of a Dawson County Arrest Record
Dawson County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Montana state law and local regulations. These official documents typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, gender, physical description, and, when available, a booking photograph.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the arresting agency (e.g., Dawson County Sheriff's Office, Glendive Police Department, Montana Highway Patrol).
Criminal Charges: Complete listing of all charges filed, including citation of relevant Montana Code sections allegedly violated, and whether charges are misdemeanors or felonies.
Case Processing Information: Court docket numbers, scheduled court appearances, bail or bond amounts, and custody status.
Booking Information: Time and date of booking into the Dawson County Correctional Facility, property inventory, and medical screening notes (subject to privacy restrictions).
Disposition Information: For completed cases, the record may include case outcomes such as dismissals, plea agreements, trial verdicts, sentencing information, or diversion program participation.
The level of detail in arrest records may vary based on the nature of the case and the stage of criminal proceedings. Certain sensitive information may be redacted in accordance with Montana privacy laws, particularly in cases involving juveniles, sexual assault victims, or ongoing investigations. The Dawson County Correctional Facility maintains these records in accordance with state record retention requirements.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Dawson County
Montana law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to Mont. Code Ann. § 46-18-1101 through § 46-18-1111, individuals may petition for expungement if they meet statutory eligibility requirements. The expungement process in Dawson County follows these state guidelines.
Eligibility criteria for expungement generally include:
- Cases resulting in dismissal of charges
- Acquittals following trial
- Deferred impositions of sentence that have been successfully completed
- Misdemeanor convictions after a specified waiting period (typically 5 years after completion of sentence)
- Certain felony convictions after longer waiting periods (typically 5-10 years depending on offense type)
The expungement process requires filing a formal petition with the Dawson County Clerk of Court. Petitioners must provide:
- Complete criminal history information
- Certified copies of relevant court documents
- Verification of completion of all sentencing requirements
- Payment of applicable filing fees
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. The county attorney and any victims have the right to appear and provide input. If granted, an expungement order directs all criminal justice agencies to seal the records, which are then no longer available to the public.
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves complex legal requirements. The Montana Code Annotated should be consulted for specific eligibility criteria and procedural requirements applicable to different offense categories.
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