>Flathead County Arrest Records Online

Flathead County, Montana Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Flathead County, Montana?

Arrest records in Flathead County, Montana are considered public documents pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1003, which establishes the public's right to examine government records. The Montana Public Records Act specifically designates arrest records as public information, ensuring transparency in law enforcement operations. Members of the public may access these records unless specifically restricted by court order or statutory exemption.

The Flathead County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with Montana state law. Certain information within arrest records may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile information, or victim privacy as stipulated in Montana Code Annotated § 44-5-303. Records containing protected information require judicial approval before release to the general public.

Law enforcement agencies in Flathead County routinely publish jail roster information as part of their commitment to public transparency. This practice allows citizens to monitor law enforcement activities and maintain accountability within the criminal justice system.

Flathead County Sheriff's Office
920 South Main Street
Kalispell, MT 59901
(406) 758-5585
Official Website

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Flathead County?

Flathead County provides digital access to arrest records through several official online platforms. The Flathead County Sheriff's Office maintains a searchable database of current inmates and recent bookings. This digital resource is updated regularly to reflect the most current detention information.

The online availability of these records is governed by Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1006, which establishes guidelines for electronic access to public records. Digital platforms must balance public access with privacy protections mandated by state and federal regulations.

Online arrest record resources include:

The Flathead County Jail Roster system, which displays recent bookings and current inmate status
The Montana Courts Public Access Portal, which provides case information for arrests that have proceeded to court filings
The Flathead County Justice Court online records system for misdemeanor cases

Users should note that while basic arrest information is available online, comprehensive records may require formal requests through the Clerk of Court or Sheriff's Office. Montana law permits reasonable fees for record reproduction and staff time required to fulfill extensive requests.

How to Look Up Flathead County Arrest Records in 2025

Individuals seeking arrest records in Flathead County have multiple methods available for conducting searches. The county has implemented several systems to facilitate public access to these documents in compliance with Montana's public records statutes.

Online Search Methods

The Flathead County Detention Center maintains a searchable database of current inmates and recent bookings. This resource provides basic arrest information including charges, booking dates, and bond amounts. For court case information resulting from arrests, the Montana Courts E-Filing system offers access to public court documents.

The Montana Supreme Court Docket Search provides information on cases that have proceeded to higher courts. Users must create an account to access certain detailed records through these systems.

In-Person Record Requests

Physical record requests may be submitted at:

Flathead County Sheriff's Office Records Division
920 South Main Street
Kalispell, MT 59901
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
(406) 758-5585

Flathead County Clerk of District Court
920 South Main Street, Room 300
Kalispell, MT 59901
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
(406) 758-5870

Written Requests

Written requests for arrest records must include:

Full name of the subject
Date of birth (if known)
Approximate date of arrest
Case number (if available)
Requestor's contact information
Notarized authorization (if requesting records for another individual)

Requests should be addressed to the Records Division of the Flathead County Sheriff's Office. Pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1006, agencies may charge reasonable fees for document reproduction and staff time.

Contents of a Flathead County Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by Flathead County law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by Montana Code Annotated § 44-5-101. These documents serve as official accounts of law enforcement interactions with individuals taken into custody.

Standard information contained in Flathead County arrest records includes:

Subject's full legal name and any documented aliases
Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
Date of birth and demographic information
Date, time, and location of arrest
Arresting agency and officer identification
Enumeration of charges with corresponding Montana Code citations
Booking photographs ("mugshots")
Fingerprint classification data
Custody status and bond information
Case disposition if available

The Flathead County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in compliance with state retention schedules. Arrest records are linked to corresponding court case files maintained by the Flathead County Clerk of Court once formal charges are filed.

Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including:

Social Security numbers
Medical information
Information pertaining to confidential informants
Details that might compromise ongoing investigations
Juvenile records (unless specifically ordered released by a court)

Expungement of Arrest Records in Flathead County

Montana law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The process is governed by Montana Code Annotated § 46-18-1101 through § 46-18-1111, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.

Individuals may petition for expungement in Flathead County if their case meets one of the following conditions:

The arrest did not lead to formal charges
Charges were dismissed with prejudice
The individual was acquitted at trial
The conviction was for a misdemeanor and the specified waiting period has elapsed
The conviction was for certain non-violent felonies and statutory waiting periods have been satisfied

The expungement process requires filing a formal petition with the Flathead County Justice Court or District Court, depending on the original jurisdiction of the case. Petitioners must provide:

Certified copies of the original case disposition
Criminal history verification from the Montana Department of Justice
Affidavit attesting to eligibility under Montana law
Payment of required filing fees

Flathead County Justice Court
920 South Main Street, Room 110
Kalispell, MT 59901
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
(406) 758-5680

Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court schedules a hearing where the petitioner must demonstrate eligibility for expungement. The County Attorney's Office and any victims have the right to appear and contest the petition. If granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to seal or destroy records pertaining to the arrest and subsequent proceedings.