Belgrade Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Belgrade, Montana?
Yes, arrest records are public in Belgrade, Montana. This accessibility is governed by the Montana Public Records Act (Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1001 et seq.), which mandates that all government-generated documents, including arrest records, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The statute establishes that public records shall be available for inspection by any person during normal business hours of the custodian of the records. This law is predicated on the principle of transparency and accountability in public administration.
Pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1003, public agencies must make records available for examination and provide copies upon request. However, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests, such as social security numbers, medical information, and information related to ongoing investigations. The Belgrade Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state law and departmental policies.
How to Look Up Belgrade Arrest Records in 2025
To obtain information on arrest records in Belgrade, Montana, various methods are available. Residents and interested parties can access these records through multiple avenues, ensuring transparency and ease of access. The following are the primary methods for searching arrest records in Belgrade:
Online Public Access Systems: The City of Belgrade provides digital access to certain public records through its official website. Individuals may search for active warrants and other public safety information.
Belgrade Police Department: Individuals may visit the police department in person to request arrest records. A formal request form must be completed and submitted along with valid identification.
Belgrade Police Department
91 E Central Avenue
Belgrade, MT 59714
(406) 388-4262
Belgrade Police Department
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PMGallatin County Sheriff's Office: For arrests made by county law enforcement within Belgrade city limits, records may be available through the Sheriff's Office.
Gallatin County Sheriff's Office
605 S 16th Avenue
Bozeman, MT 59715
(406) 582-2100
Gallatin County Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PMBelgrade Municipal Court: The Belgrade Municipal Court maintains records of cases processed through their system, including those resulting from arrests within city limits.
Belgrade Municipal Court
91 E Central Avenue
Belgrade, MT 59714
(406) 388-3760
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PMCity Clerk's Office: The City Clerk's Office handles public information requests and can assist with locating appropriate records.
Contents of a Belgrade Arrest Record
A typical arrest record in Belgrade, Montana, contains comprehensive information about the arrest incident and the individual involved. Pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 44-5-103, these records typically include:
- Full legal name and any known aliases of the arrested individual
- Date of birth and demographic information
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Specific charges filed, including citation of applicable statutes or ordinances
- Arresting agency information and officer identification
- Booking details, including the booking number and processing information
- Photographic identification (mugshots) and fingerprint records
- Bail or bond information, including amount set and conditions
- Case disposition information, if available
- Detention facility information, if applicable
It should be noted that certain information may be redacted from public arrest records to protect privacy interests or ongoing investigations, in accordance with Montana Code Annotated § 44-5-303. Juvenile records are subject to additional confidentiality protections under Montana Code Annotated § 41-5-215.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Belgrade
In Belgrade, Montana, individuals may petition for expungement of their arrest records under specific circumstances as provided by Montana Code Annotated § 46-18-1101 through § 46-18-1111. Expungement effectively seals an arrest record from public view, though the record remains accessible to law enforcement agencies.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Belgrade include:
- Completion of all terms of the sentence, including payment of fines and restitution
- Fulfillment of any required treatment programs
- Absence of new criminal charges during a specified waiting period
- Demonstration that expungement serves the public interest
The expungement process requires filing a formal petition with the Belgrade Municipal Court or the District Court of Gallatin County, depending on the jurisdiction of the original case. Petitioners may access necessary criminal forms and motions through the Belgrade Municipal Court website.
Pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 46-18-1103, certain offenses are ineligible for expungement, including:
- Deliberate homicide
- Sexual offenses requiring registration
- Kidnapping
- Aggravated assault
- Other violent felonies as defined by statute
Upon receipt of a petition, the court will schedule a hearing where the petitioner must demonstrate that expungement is warranted. The prosecuting attorney and any victims have the right to appear and provide testimony. If granted, the court will issue an order directing all relevant agencies to seal the records from public access.
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