Wyoming Criminal Records

Are Criminal Records Public in Wyoming?

Yes, according to Wyoming’s Sunshine Act, anyone can request a criminal record. While the standard for criminal record collection and storage varies from county to county, most criminal documents are organized in a central repository managed by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI). The Wyoming DCI processes fingerprint-based requests for criminal records only.

Criminal records, considered public in the United States, are made available through some third-party aggregate sites. Searching with third-party websites is often easier as the information is not limited to geographic record availability. Information found on third-party websites can serve as a jumping off point for parties searching for a specific record or multiple records. Typically, requesters must provide the following information to gain access to these records:

• The record subject’s name, unless the subject is a juvenile.
• The record subjects’ last known location, including cities, counties, and states.

Third-party websites offer these search services, but they are not government sponsored. Availability of records may vary.

What is Considered a Criminal Record in Wyoming?

Wyoming criminal records provide a detailed official overview of the subject’s criminal history. Also known as a rap sheet, it's assembled and compiled from Wyoming courts, Wyoming correctional facilities, and other local and state departments. It contains records of arrests, convictions, and incarcerations. Most criminal records provide general information such as the:

• Subject’s name and any known aliases
• Physical descriptors
• Sex
• Charges description
• Offense classification
• Court of trial
• Disposition for every charge

How to Obtain Criminal Records in Wyoming?

Employers at schools, child care services, and other companies can perform a fingerprint-based criminal record search on potential employees via the Wyoming DCI’s Background Checks/Applicant Tracking System.

The requester must have the subject fingerprinted on a standard, FBI-approved fingerprint card and complete the information on the top portion of the fingerprint card, including the “Employer and Address” section. The DCI charges $5 for fingerprinting services and $15 for the background check. Applicants must attach payment for these fees in the form of a certified check or money order.

Other public members may find Wyoming criminal records by visiting their local district court and applying to the clerk of courts for on-demand court records. Although fees may be minimal, performing a free public criminal record check may be impossible as copy fees may apply.

Are Arrest Records Public in Wyoming?

Yes, Wyoming arrest records are one of the police records made available to the public per the state’s Sunshine Act. County and city law enforcement officials generate arrest records and submit them to the Wyoming DCI.

Interested employers may submit applications for public arrest records to the DCI, while other public members may visit their local police station or sheriff’s offices. These offices do not offer free arrest records. However, the fees for an arrest search may be minimal.

What is Considered an Arrest Record in a Wyoming?

Wyoming arrest records contain information of persons taken from any location and transported or transferred into the custody law enforcement agency within their facilities or building. An arrest does not always result in a criminal charge because in some cases, an arrest may be made for further investigation or at the conclusion of the investigation with sufficient evidence pointing at the alleged offender.

Wyoming police records and police reports differ from arrest records, but the terms are often used synonymously. Police reports, also known as police logs, serve as documents that track the actions of law enforcement, while arrest records only include arrest information and are categorized by record subject.

Wyoming Arrest Warrants

A Wyoming arrest warrant is an authority given to state law enforcement to carry out an arrest and take a person named, described, or declared wanted into their custody. Once arrested, the civil liberty of the arrestee becomes immediately limited. They may be legally held or confined by law enforcement officers. An active warrant may contain the name, race, physical description, date of birth, and other relevant information that may assist law enforcement agents to confirm and apprehend the right person.

The state of Wyoming does not have a central depository where the public can perform an active warrant search. However, some local governments allow the public to perform a warrant search on their websites. For instance, interested persons can search for Natrona County warrants on the sheriff’s website.

How to Lookup Wyoming Jail and Inmate Records

Wyoming inmate records are official information on persons incarcerated or held in the custody of criminal correctional facilities or criminal rehabilitation centers following a court sentence and penalty for crimes for which they were convicted or being held. Inmates are usually held in prisons under the administration of the Wyoming Department of Corrections.

Jail records may be held by local law enforcement agencies and described as jail rosters or inmate listings. Individuals interested in performing an inmate search may query local law enforcement.

How Do I Find Sex Offenders in Wyoming?

The Wyoming sex offender registry contains information on registered sex offenders. Wyoming’s Megan’s Law mandates that such persons register their personal data and other information for the purpose of notifying people within their community, neighborhood, and the general public.

The state requires sex offenders in Wyoming to register solely for the purpose of ensuring public safety and preventing repeat sexual offenses. Information contained in the sex offender registry may include

• Names and aliases of the offender
• Age
• Physical description
• Location/Home/Work/School
• Description of sexual offense
• Date of conviction

Understanding DUI Laws in Wyoming

A DUI is one of the most serious traffic violations a Wyoming citizen can commit. State law makes it illegal for any individual to drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or any other intoxicant. A DUI in Wyoming may be deemed an infraction, misdemeanor or felony depending on the nature or severity of the offense.

The state mandates law enforcement officers to stop vehicles whose drivers appear impaired and to have those drivers perform field sobriety tests. These may be physical coordination or chemical tests. According to state law, anyone who has a blood alcohol content (BAC) level above 0.08% is under the influence, and the police will arrest such persons.

In Wyoming, the penalties for drunk driving vary. First-time offenders may face up to six months in prison, a $750 fine, and a 3-month license suspension. Multiple offenders face similar prison times, up to $3000 in fines, and up to three years without a driver’s license.

Wyoming Misdemeanors Laws: Offenses and Penalties

A misdemeanor is generally less severe than felonies. Like felonies, misdemeanor charges are categorized into classes to describe the severity of the alleged crime.

• Class A misdemeanors carry penalties of up to 1-year incarceration and up to $2300 in fine
• Class B misdemeanors carry up to 6 months term of incarceration and a $750 fine.

Certain misdemeanors may not fall under Class A or Class B. Those result in penalties that may be considered less stiff with the possibility or of a maximum of 30 days in confinement and a fine of up to $575

Wyoming Felony Laws: Offenses and Penalties

A felony is a crime considered particularly serious under the common law system. Felonies and misdemeanors are both punishable crimes, but they differ in seriousness, if it was a violent activity, and thus posterior punishment.

According to the Wyoming Criminal Code of 1982, a felony is a crime that may be punished by death or by imprisonment for more than one year. All other crimes are considered misdemeanors.

Felonies in Wyoming can also be punished with a fine, with the maximum one being $10,000.00. Any person charged with a felony charge in Wyoming is instantly forbidden from being an elector, juror, or to hold any office of honor unless their conviction is reversed or annulled. Either way, their name would permanently stay on the Wyoming Felony Records.

Possession of drugs is considered a felony in Wyoming when the amount is more than 3oz and can result in 5 years of prison time and a fine of up to $10,000.00 dollars.

What are Parole Records in Wyoming?

Wyoming parole records provide information on inmates who have been considered for early release from a prison sentence by the Wyoming Parole Board after serving a portion of the sentenced term. Considerations for early release include the rehabilitation of the offender and the reasonable chance that they will be law-abiding and pose no criminal risk or danger to themselves and the community. Parole is a form of supervision, and the parolee must avoid acts of parole violation to remain free from incarceration.

Parole is essentially the trust of the court that a convicted criminal will behave responsibly and not break any laws while granted their freedom. It is also a chance for the inmate to prove they have been rehabilitated, and are eligible for early release. This is meant to act as an incentive for long-term inmates to act accordingly.

What are Probation Records in Wyoming?

Probation records contain information on the sentence of the court, suspending or canceling a possibility of jail or prison time. For instance, a person who has been sentenced to probation instead of jail time of up to three months may remain within the community and serve their sentence, unless they engage in acts of probation violation, and may then be required to serve the suspended jail time of 3 months. Probation is granted in accordance with Wyoming Laws and based on a pre-sentence investigation report which helps guide the sentencing court on the appropriate sentence or alternative order with regards to the defendant’s case.

In Wyoming, probation is separated into different levels of supervision from level 1 to level 4 and level 5 supervision being people remanded in jail. The level of supervision imposed on an offender may depend on the gravity of the offense committed and the criminal history of the offender. Supervision is also a joint effort between the judiciary and the Bureau of Community Supervision under the Adult Community Corrections Boards.

Offenders under level 1 are the least supervised under the least restrictions and are usually first-time offenders who are low-risk re-offenders. The probation office might require them to make restitution and /or pay a fine. Level 1v probationers are usually under house arrest with electronic monitoring, direct surveillance, or a residential treatment center.

Are Juvenile Criminal Records Public in Wyoming?

Juvenile criminal records are documents containing details and information on criminal behavior, activities of persons considered youths in Wyoming, and the consequences dealt out to them by a juvenile court. Persons below the age of 18 are not considered criminals under Wyoming laws, rather, the courts adjudicate them as delinquents and remand them to a juvenile detention center.

The aim of the juvenile court is to rehabilitate juveniles, which are described as amenable. Unless the court believes the youth is not amenable or they have committed serious crimes such as murder, rape, kidnapping, they may be transferred to the Superior court to be tried as an adult.

Juvenile records including arrests, charges, and adjudications remain on the youth’s record even after they have turned 18. They must formally apply for an expungement, if they are eligible, to have the juvenile records removed. Once the court grants an expungement order, the Bureau of Identification is notified and all arrest records, police, court, and electronic records relating to the adjudication of the juvenile are put in the care of the Bureau to ensure it remains sealed with no chance of its release, except as permitted by the law.

What are Conviction Records in Wyoming?

A conviction record reflects the final decision of a court or jury on the criminal charges against a person before the trial court. A conviction record will appear on a person’s criminal records once they have been declared guilty of a crime by a judge or jury after a trial, declared guilty after entering a nolo contendere plea, or pleaded guilty to the offense for which they were charged.

Are Police Records Public in Wyoming?

Yes, police records are generally regarded as public records in Wyoming. Hence, these documents are made available to the public to encourage government openness. Any record created, acquired, or kept by law enforcement authorities for the detection, prevention, investigation, reporting, or prosecution of crime is referred to as a "police record".

However certain aspects of these police records are withheld from public access by law. The following types of information are among those that may be withheld in accordance with section 13 of the Act:

• Information that constitutes an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;
• Any police report that Discloses the identity of a confidential source or discloses confidential information furnished only by a confidential source;
• Aspects of the police reports that interfere with law enforcement proceedings;
• Any information that denies a person the right to a fair trial or impartial administrative adjudication;

How to Obtain Police Records in Wyoming

In accordance with State Policy, the Freedom of Information Act, and the Wyoming law enforcement records retention schedule, the records section of the Wyoming police department and sheriff's office is in charge of maintaining, locating, and making available official police records.

Interested individuals can request police reports by contacting the records unit under the department of public safety in Wyoming to determine the availability status of the desired policy document. Requests can be made by phone call, including in person, online, by mail, or via fax. Crash reports can also be requested online but are only made available to the parties involved. Depending on the processing time and scope of the request, fees may be charged

Are Police Reports Public Record?

Yes, most police reports are public record and can be accessed through local law enforcement agencies. However, selected records may be deemed confidential and may be restricted depending on the nature of the incidence or the persons involved. To obtain any documents that may be considered private or restricted, a formal request and a judicial order must be submitted to the record custodian.

How to Find Mugshots in Wyoming

Mugshots from arrests made in Wyoming can be found by searching through online databases maintained by local law enforcement agencies. Interested persons may search these repositories by the name of the inmate or the date of their arrest and booking number.