Missoula County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Missoula County
Arrest records in Missoula County are considered public information pursuant to the Montana Public Records Act, specifically under § 2-6-1003 MCA, which establishes the public's right to access government records. The statute affirms that "every person has a right to examine and obtain a copy of any public information of this state." This right extends to arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies within Missoula County.
It is important for members of the public to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a crime through the judicial process. Under Montana law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exceptions may apply.
The Missoula County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary custodian of arrest records within the county. While most arrest information is publicly accessible, certain records may be restricted if they:
- Contain information protected by privacy laws
- Relate to ongoing investigations
- Involve juvenile offenders
- Have been sealed or expunged by court order
The Montana Department of Justice has established specific policies governing the release of criminal history information through its Criminal Records and Identification Services, which provides additional guidance on access to arrest records throughout the state.
What's in Missoula County Arrest Records
Missoula County arrest records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Home address
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Circumstances leading to arrest
- Use of force documentation (if applicable)
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance citations
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor)
- Charge severity level
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date of issuance
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
- Warrant status
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Booking officer
- Property inventory
- Medical screening information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount
- Bond type
- Bond conditions
- Release eligibility
- Payment status
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Housing location (if incarcerated)
- Projected release date (if applicable)
- Custody level classification
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior criminal history
- Known associates
- Vehicle information
- Employment information
- Emergency contact information
- Immigration status
The specific content of arrest records may vary based on the arresting agency's protocols and the nature of the arrest. All information is maintained in accordance with Montana Code Annotated § 44-5-103, which governs criminal justice information systems in the state.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Missoula County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Missoula County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points for record retrieval, depending on the specific information needed and its intended use.
To request arrest records in person, individuals may visit:
Missoula County Sheriff's Office Records Division
200 W. Broadway St.
Missoula, MT 59802
(406) 258-4810
Missoula County Sheriff's Office
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
The process for obtaining arrest records typically includes:
- Completing a public records request form, available at the Sheriff's Office or downloadable from the county website
- Providing specific information about the record being requested (name of arrestee, date of arrest, case number if known)
- Presenting valid government-issued photo identification
- Paying applicable fees (currently $10 for the first 15 minutes of search time, with additional fees for copies)
- Allowing processing time, which varies based on the complexity of the request
For written requests, individuals may submit a completed records request form via mail to the address above or via email to records@missoulacounty.us. The Citizen Services division of the Sheriff's Office processes these requests in the order received.
Pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1006, agencies must acknowledge receipt of requests within 5 business days and provide an estimated timeframe for fulfillment. Complex requests may require additional processing time.
How To Find Missoula County Arrest Records Online
Missoula County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records and related information online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though they may contain varying levels of detail.
The primary online resource for current arrest information is the Missoula County Daily Inmate Jail Roster, which is updated in real-time and displays individuals currently in custody at the Missoula County Detention Facility. This resource provides:
- Inmate name
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Court dates
- Custody status
For more comprehensive arrest record searches, individuals may access:
- The Montana Department of Justice's Criminal History Record Information portal, which requires registration and payment of applicable fees
- The Montana Correctional Offender Network (CONWEB) at https://app.mt.gov/conweb/, which provides information on individuals who have been incarcerated in state facilities
- The Montana Court System's Case Search function, which allows users to search for court cases related to arrests
When conducting online searches, users should note that:
- Some information may be redacted for privacy or security reasons
- Recent arrests may not appear immediately in all systems
- Complete arrest records may require a formal request through the Sheriff's Office
- Online systems may require user registration and/or payment of fees
The Montana Criminal Justice Information Act of 1979, codified in § 44-5-101 through § 44-5-515 MCA, governs the dissemination of criminal justice information, including what may be made available through online systems.
How To Search Missoula County Arrest Records for Free?
Missoula County residents and other interested parties have several options for accessing basic arrest record information without incurring fees. These free resources provide limited information but can serve as starting points for further research.
The most comprehensive free resource is the Missoula County Daily Inmate Jail Roster, which provides real-time information about individuals currently detained in the county detention facility. This publicly accessible database includes:
- Names of current inmates
- Booking dates
- Charges
- Bond amounts
- Scheduled court appearances
Additional free resources include:
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Public Access Terminals: Located at the Missoula County Courthouse (200 W. Broadway, Missoula, MT 59802), these terminals allow visitors to search basic court records related to arrests without charge during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
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Local Newspaper Police Blotters: The Missoulian and other local publications often publish daily police reports that include arrest information.
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Montana Court Case Look-up: The state's public court record system at https://courts.mt.gov/courts/search provides free access to court cases, though it does not include detailed arrest information.
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Public Records Request for Personal Records: Under Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1009, individuals may request their own criminal history information without charge once per calendar year.
When utilizing these free resources, members of the public should be aware of certain limitations:
- Information may be incomplete or limited in scope
- Recent arrests may not appear immediately
- Some case details may be restricted from public view
- Historical arrest records typically require formal requests and associated fees
For individuals seeking their own records, the Missoula County Sheriff's Office provides one free copy of personal records annually upon verification of identity, in accordance with state public records laws.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Missoula County
The process of removing arrest records from public access in Missoula County involves either expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access). These remedies are governed by Montana Code Annotated § 46-18-1101 through § 46-18-1111, which establishes specific criteria and procedures.
Expungement represents the complete destruction of arrest records, while sealing limits access to authorized agencies only. In Missoula County, records may be eligible for expungement or sealing under the following circumstances:
- The arrest did not lead to charges being filed
- Charges were dismissed
- The individual was acquitted at trial
- The conviction was for a misdemeanor and the individual has completed all terms of the sentence
- The conviction was for certain non-violent felonies after a waiting period (typically 5 years after completion of sentence)
- The arrest/conviction was for a marijuana offense that has since been legalized
- The individual was a victim of human trafficking and committed offenses as a result
The process for expungement or sealing in Missoula County requires:
- Filing a petition with the Missoula County District Court (200 W. Broadway, Missoula, MT 59802)
- Paying the filing fee (currently $100, though fee waivers may be available)
- Providing fingerprints for identification verification
- Attending a hearing before a district judge
- If granted, ensuring the order is distributed to all agencies holding records
Juvenile records are subject to different rules under Montana Code Annotated § 41-5-216, which provides for automatic sealing of most juvenile records when the individual reaches age 18, provided certain conditions are met.
It is important to note that even when records are sealed or expunged:
- Certain government agencies may still access sealed records
- Federal agencies and out-of-state entities may maintain copies of records
- Private companies that previously collected the information may continue to distribute it
- Complete removal from all databases cannot be guaranteed
The Montana Innocence Project provides resources for individuals seeking expungement or sealing of records in Missoula County and throughout the state.
What Happens After Arrest in Missoula County?
Following an arrest in Missoula County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Montana state law and local procedures. This process typically follows a sequential progression through several key stages.
The initial post-arrest phase includes:
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Transportation and Booking: The arrestee is transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility (2340 Mullan Road, Missoula, MT 59808) where they undergo booking procedures, including fingerprinting, photographing, personal property inventory, and medical screening.
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Initial Appearance: Within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), the individual appears before a judge who:
- Informs them of charges
- Advises them of constitutional rights
- Determines bail or release conditions
- Appoints counsel if the individual qualifies for public defender services
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Bail Determination: The judge sets bail based on:
- Nature and severity of charges
- Criminal history
- Community ties
- Flight risk assessment
- Public safety considerations
For misdemeanor cases, the process typically continues with:
- Arraignment: The formal reading of charges where the defendant enters a plea
- Pre-trial Conference: Attorneys discuss possible resolutions
- Trial: If no plea agreement is reached, a bench or jury trial is conducted
- Sentencing: If convicted, penalties are imposed according to state law
For felony cases, additional steps include:
- Preliminary Hearing/Grand Jury: Determination of probable cause
- District Court Arraignment: Formal charges are presented in District Court
- Omnibus Hearing: Scheduling of motions and trial dates
- Pre-trial Motions: Legal issues addressed before trial
- Trial: Presentation of evidence before judge or jury
- Sentencing: If convicted, penalties imposed according to state sentencing guidelines
Throughout this process, individuals may access case information through the Missoula County Sheriff's Office or the Montana Court System. The Missoula County Attorney's Office (200 W. Broadway, Missoula, MT 59802) prosecutes cases, while the Office of the State Public Defender (610 Woody Street, Missoula, MT 59802) represents eligible defendants.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Missoula County?
Arrest records in Missoula County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1101 through § 2-6-1114, which governs public records management throughout the state. These statutes establish minimum retention periods while allowing agencies to maintain records for longer durations when necessary.
The Montana Local Government Records Committee has established the following retention periods for arrest-related records:
- Arrest reports and booking information: Permanent retention
- Fingerprint cards: 75 years from date of collection
- Mugshot photographs: 75 years from date of collection
- Incident reports: 10 years after case closure
- Investigation files: 25 years after case closure for felonies; 10 years for misdemeanors
- Jail records: 10 years after release from custody
- Juvenile arrest records: Until age 18, then sealed automatically in most cases
These retention periods serve several critical purposes:
- Preservation of evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Documentation of law enforcement activities for accountability
- Statistical analysis and crime pattern recognition
- Background checks for employment and licensing
- Historical and archival documentation
Different agencies within Missoula County may maintain separate copies of arrest records with varying retention schedules:
- The Missoula County Sheriff's Office maintains the primary arrest records
- The County Attorney's Office keeps prosecution files
- The Clerk of Court preserves court records related to arrests
- The Detention Facility maintains custody records
The Montana Department of Justice also maintains a central repository of criminal history information, including arrest data from Missoula County, in accordance with the Criminal Justice Information Act of 1979.
It is important to note that while physical records may be destroyed after their retention period expires, digital records and database entries may be maintained indefinitely, particularly for serious offenses.
How to Find Mugshots in Missoula County
Mugshots, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process and serve as visual identification records of individuals processed through the Missoula County criminal justice system. These photographs are considered part of the official arrest record.
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots typically consist of front-facing and profile (side) photographs taken under standardized conditions. These images capture the appearance of the arrestee at the time of booking and include:
- Full facial features
- Identifying characteristics
- A booking identification number
- Sometimes a height measurement scale
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Missoula County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:
Missoula County Detention Facility
2340 Mullan Road
Missoula, MT 59808
(406) 258-4000
Missoula County Sheriff's Office
These photographs are stored in both physical and digital formats as part of the comprehensive booking record.
Finding Mugshots
To obtain official copies of mugshots, interested parties may:
- Submit a public records request to the Missoula County Sheriff's Office Records Division
- Complete the standard records request form available through the Public Records page
- Provide specific identifying information about the subject (full name, date of birth, date of arrest)
- Pay applicable fees (currently $10 for search time plus reproduction costs)
Can They Be Found Online
While some counties publish mugshots online, Missoula County does not currently maintain a public-facing database of booking photographs. Limited information about current inmates, without photographs, is available through the Missoula County Daily Inmate Jail Roster.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
Official requests for mugshots must be submitted through formal channels:
- In person at the Sheriff's Office Records Division
- By mail to the Sheriff's Office address
- By email to records@missoulacounty.us
Processing times vary based on workload and the age of the records requested.
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances:
- Juvenile booking photographs are generally not public records
- Images related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
- Photographs that have been sealed or expunged by court order are not accessible
- Privacy protections may apply in certain sensitive cases
Montana Code Annotated § 44-5-103(4)(b) defines booking photographs as "public criminal justice information" generally available to the public, though exceptions exist under § 44-5-103(12) for protected information.
Lookup Arrest Records in Missoula County
Missoula County Daily Inmate Jail Roster
Sheriff's Office Citizen Services
Missoula County Public Records