Yellowstone County, Montana Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Yellowstone County, Montana?
Arrest records in Yellowstone County, Montana are public documents accessible to all citizens 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 agencies, including law enforcement entities. 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 Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its statutory duties under Montana Code Annotated § 7-32-2121. These records document the official actions of law enforcement personnel and constitute public records subject to disclosure. Members of the public seeking access to arrest records may submit requests to the appropriate custodial agency, which must respond within a reasonable timeframe as specified in Mont. Code Ann. § 2-6-1006.
Certain exceptions to public disclosure exist under Montana law. Information that may compromise ongoing investigations, violate personal privacy rights, or endanger public safety may be redacted or withheld in accordance with Mont. Code Ann. § 2-6-1002. Juvenile arrest records are subject to additional confidentiality protections under Mont. Code Ann. § 41-5-215.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Yellowstone County?
Yellowstone County provides digital access to certain arrest records through official government portals. The Yellowstone County Detention Facility Search allows members of the public to query current inmate information, including arrest data. This service operates pursuant to the county's commitment to transparency and public information accessibility.
The Montana Judicial Branch maintains the Montana Courts Public Access Portal, which provides electronic access to court records, including those related to arrests and subsequent judicial proceedings. This system operates in accordance with the Montana Supreme Court's Public Access Rules, which govern the electronic availability of court documents.
Digital access to arrest records is subject to the same statutory limitations that apply to physical records. Pursuant to Mont. Code Ann. § 2-6-1017, certain sensitive information may be redacted from online records to protect privacy interests while still maintaining the public's right to access government information.
Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office
2323 2nd Avenue North
Billings, MT 59101
Phone: 406-256-2929
Official Website
How to Look Up Yellowstone County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for accessing Yellowstone County arrest records in 2025. Members of the public may utilize any of the following methods:
In-Person Requests at the Sheriff's Office: The Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office maintains physical records of arrests conducted within its jurisdiction. Individuals may submit requests at the Sheriff's Office during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM). Requestors must complete a public records request form and may be required to present identification. Fees for copying services may apply in accordance with Mont. Code Ann. § 2-6-1006.
Clerk of District Court: The Yellowstone County Clerk of District Court maintains court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings. These records may be accessed at the courthouse during business hours or through the court's online portal.
Montana Public Access Portal: The Montana Courts Public Access Portal provides electronic access to court records, including those related to arrests in Yellowstone County. Users must register for an account and may be subject to usage fees for certain searches or document retrievals.
Detention Facility Database: The Yellowstone County Detention Facility maintains a searchable database of current inmates, including arrest information. This resource is updated regularly and provides basic information about individuals currently in custody.
Yellowstone County Clerk of District Court
217 North 27th Street, Room 101
Billings, MT 59101
Phone: 406-256-2870
Official Website
Contents of a Yellowstone County Arrest Record
Yellowstone County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Montana law and departmental policies. These records typically include the following elements:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
- Date of birth and demographic information (age, gender, race)
- Physical description including height, weight, eye and hair color, and identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest, including citation of applicable Montana Code sections
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Fingerprint records collected pursuant to Mont. Code Ann. § 44-5-202
- Case or incident number assigned by the arresting agency
- Custody status information, including bail amount if applicable
- Preliminary court appearance information
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense, the arresting agency's protocols, and the stage of the criminal justice process. Records related to ongoing investigations may contain redactions pursuant to Mont. Code Ann. § 2-6-1002(1).
Expungement of Arrest Records in Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone County requires petitioners to:
- File a formal petition with the Yellowstone County District Court where the case was adjudicated
- Provide notice to the prosecuting agency that handled the original case
- Attend a hearing where a judge will determine whether expungement serves the public interest
Eligibility criteria for expungement include:
- Misdemeanor convictions may be eligible for expungement five years after completion of the sentence
- Certain non-violent felony convictions may be eligible ten years after completion of the sentence
- Cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal may be eligible immediately
- Deferred impositions of sentence may be eligible upon successful completion of probation
Expungement is not available for certain offenses, including violent felonies as defined in Mont. Code Ann. § 45-5-102 through § 45-5-103, sexual offenses requiring registration, and offenses involving official misconduct by public servants.
When an expungement order is granted, all public records of the arrest and subsequent proceedings are sealed from public view. Law enforcement agencies retain access to expunged records for limited purposes as specified in Mont. Code Ann. § 46-18-1111(3).
Yellowstone County District Court
217 North 27th Street
Billings, MT 59101
Phone: 406-256-2800
Official Website
Search Arrest Records in Yellowstone County
