Bozeman Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Bozeman, Montana?
Arrest records are public documents in Bozeman, Montana, pursuant to the Montana Public Records Act (Mont. Code Ann. § 2-6-1001 et seq.). This legislation establishes the framework for public access to government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies. The Montana Constitution, Article II, Section 9, further reinforces this right through its "right to know" provision, which states that citizens have the right to examine documents of public bodies except in cases where the demand of individual privacy clearly exceeds the merits of public disclosure.
The Gallatin County Sheriff's Office and Bozeman Police Department maintain these records as part of their official documentation of law enforcement activities. Members of the public may request access to these records for various purposes, including background checks, legal proceedings, or general information. The accessibility of these records serves as a mechanism for public oversight of law enforcement operations and promotes transparency in the criminal justice system.
Certain limitations may apply to the disclosure of arrest records, particularly in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or where privacy concerns are deemed to outweigh public interest as determined by Montana statute § 44-5-303.
How to Look Up Bozeman Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist through which members of the public may obtain arrest records in Bozeman, Montana. The following methods are available for accessing these public documents:
Bozeman Police Department
615 South 16th Avenue
Bozeman, MT 59715
Phone: (406) 582-2000
Bozeman Police Department Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Individuals may submit requests in person at the Records Division counter. A government-issued photo identification is required, and applicable fees must be paid at the time of request.
Gallatin County Sheriff's Office
605 South 16th Avenue
Bozeman, MT 59715
Phone: (406) 582-2100
Gallatin County Sheriff's Office Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Sheriff's Office maintains records of arrests conducted within their jurisdiction. Requestors must complete a public records request form and may be subject to processing fees in accordance with Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1006.
Gallatin County District Court
Law and Justice Center
615 South 16th Avenue, Room 302
Bozeman, MT 59715
Phone: (406) 582-2171
Montana Judicial Branch
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings may be accessed through the District Court Clerk's office. The Montana Courts Public Access Portal also provides electronic access to certain court records.
Montana Department of Justice - Criminal Records
2225 11th Avenue
Helena, MT 59620
Phone: (406) 444-3625
Montana Department of Justice Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The state repository maintains comprehensive criminal history information, including arrest records. Requests may be submitted by mail using the appropriate forms available on the Department's website.
Contents of a Bozeman Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Bozeman law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as prescribed by Montana Code Annotated § 44-5-103. These official documents typically include the following elements:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
- Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Unique identifiers including state identification number and fingerprint classification
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory citations for alleged offenses
- Arresting agency and officer identification information
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Custody status and bail/bond information
- Case disposition information, if available
- Warrant information, if applicable
The level of detail contained in publicly accessible versions of these records may be limited in accordance with privacy provisions outlined in Montana Code Annotated § 44-5-303. Certain sensitive information, such as social security numbers, medical information, and information pertaining to confidential informants, is typically redacted prior to public disclosure.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Bozeman
The process for expungement of arrest records in Bozeman is governed by Montana Code Annotated § 46-18-1101 through § 46-18-1111. Eligible individuals may petition the court to have their arrest records expunged under specific circumstances. The expungement process effectively seals the record from public view, though certain government agencies may retain access for official purposes.
Eligibility criteria for expungement include:
- Cases resulting in dismissal of charges
- Acquittals following trial
- Deferred impositions of sentence after successful completion of probationary terms
- Misdemeanor convictions after completion of sentence and prescribed waiting periods
- Certain non-violent felony convictions after completion of sentence and prescribed waiting periods
The petition for expungement must be filed with the court of original jurisdiction. Pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 46-18-1104, the petition must include:
- The petitioner's full name and all known aliases
- The petitioner's date of birth
- All known case numbers and charges for which expungement is sought
- The petitioner's address
- Fingerprints, if required by the court
- A signed statement that the petitioner is not currently being detained or charged with an offense
Upon receipt of a petition, the court will schedule a hearing and notify the prosecuting authority. The court will consider factors including the nature of the offense, the petitioner's criminal history, rehabilitation efforts, and public safety concerns before rendering a decision on the expungement request.
Successful expungement results in the sealing of records held by courts, law enforcement agencies, and the Montana Department of Justice. The individual may thereafter legally state that the arrest did not occur in response to inquiries from private entities.
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