Wyoming Warrant Search
Conducting a warrant search in Wyoming may be necessary for various reasons. An individual might want to determine if they have outstanding warrants. An employment or rental application process might necessitate background checks to verify the identity and personality of a prospect. Attorneys may also need to verify the warrant status of their client in preparation for a court appearance or legal defense.
To conduct a warrant search in Wyoming, the first place to check is the county’s official website. Some counties in Wyoming provide access to their warrant database via the Internet, making it easy for inquirers to conduct a search.
Individuals also have the option of using third-party aggregate platforms. These websites curate warrant information from several government sources onto a database and allow individuals to access the information for a small fee.
Alternatively, inquirers can directly contact the local sheriff's office or county courthouse for warrant information. However, they may not always confirm the presence of a warrant over the phone. An in-person visit is always welcomed.
What is a Warrant?
A warrant is a court order that gives law enforcement officers authority to make an arrest, conduct a search, or seize properties. Judges issue warrants when there is probable cause and a search or arrest is necessary for the case to proceed. The most popular kinds of warrants in Wyoming are arrest, bench, and search warrants.
Are Warrants Public Record in Wyoming?
Yes. The Wyoming Public Records Act requires all warrant records to be open for inspection by any person during business hours of the record custodian. However, the Act permits certain warrant records to be sealed. For example, juvenile warrants are not open to the public. Additionally, unexecuted search warrants are restricted to peace officers, judges, court commissioners, or other court employees during official duties.
How Do I Look Up Warrants in Wyoming?
Individuals who wish to carry out an online warrant search may do so through third-party platforms. These websites pool warrant information from different law enforcement databases and charge a small fee for the service.
Third-party websites offering this service make it easy for individuals to access this vital information without any bottlenecks quickly. However, the information available may vary from government sources and should be subject to further confirmation by an authorized entity or attorney.
Usually, individuals must provide identifying information on the alleged suspect to conduct a search on third-party databases. The necessary information includes the first and last name of the subject of the warrant. Most third-party websites grant access to basic warrant information for free, but a fee will be charged for comprehensive searches.
What is a Search Warrant in Wyoming?
A search warrant is an order signed by a judge or commissioner directing law enforcement officers to search a person, property, or location. Per Rule 41 of the Wyoming Rules of Criminal Procedure, a judge or commissioner may issue a search warrant based on a reasonable belief (probable cause) that evidence of a crime will be found at the specified location.
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Are Search Warrants Public Records in Wyoming
Yes. Search warrants are public records in Wyoming. However, all information like applications, papers, affidavits, and records filed with the court to secure a search warrant is deemed confidential until the warrant is executed (Wyoming Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 41(j)). Confidential warrant information is only disseminated to peace officers, judges, court commissioners, or other court employees during official duties.
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How Long Does it Take to Get a Search Warrant in Wyoming?
A law enforcement officer may obtain a search warrant within a few hours or days after submitting a warrant request. The timing varies depending on the case, probable cause, and the court where the application is filed.
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How Long Does a Search Warrant Last
All search warrants must be executed 10 days from the date of issuance. In Wyoming, a search warrant can only be executed between 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. unless stated otherwise on the warrant. A warrant will be considered invalid if an officer executes the search outside the provided time frame.
What is a Bench Warrant in Wyoming?
In Wyoming, a bench warrant is a court order issued by a judge authorizing the arrest of someone who fails to appear in court. This could be due to missing a scheduled hearing, violating probation, or failing to pay court fines or costs.
What is an Arrest Warrant in Wyoming?
An arrest warrant is a court order authorizing law enforcement to arrest a named individual who is suspected of committing a crime. The process for issuing an arrest warrant, including the requirement for probable cause and the information the warrant must contain, is detailed under WY Stat § 7-3-213 and Wyoming Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 4.
How to Check if You Have a Warrant in Wyoming
Individuals can access warrant information by phone, fax, or in person at their local enforcement agency offices. Below are some ways to check if a person has a warrant depending on the agency:
- **Local Sheriff's Office: **This is the most likely place to find information about outstanding warrants in a county. Individuals may contact the local sheriff's office by phone or in person to inquire about their procedure for warrant records. Identifying information such as full name and date of birth is required to facilitate the record search. For example, requesters can call the Teton County Sheriff's Office Communications Center at (307) 733-2331 to request warrant records.
- **County Courthouse: **Requesters can call or visit the nearest Municipal Court to check for warrant records. For example, the City of Mills Municipal Court provides warrant information over the phone at (307) 266-4796, by fax at (307) 235-8976, or in person. In-person requesters can visit the courthouse from Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., except holidays
Can You Check Warrants Online in Wyoming?
There is no statewide online database to search for outstanding warrants in Wyoming. However, most counties in Wyoming have online warrant databases accessible through the sheriff’s Offices. For example, the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office provides access to warrant information through its Active Warrants List. The Natrona County and Teton County Sheriff’s Offices also maintain online outstanding warrants databases.
How To Find Out If You Have a Warrant for Free
In Wyoming, individuals can find out if they have an active warrant for free through the following means:
- Contacting the County Sheriff’s Office by phone
- Visiting the County Courthouse, City Police Department, or County Sheriff’s Office in person
- Viewing warrant information through County Sheriff’s Office databases.
How to Find Out if Someone Has a Warrant Online For Free in Wyoming
In Wyoming, the best option to find out if someone has a warrant online for free is through the warrant search on County Sheriff’s Office websites. However, these databases might not be comprehensive and up-to-date. Additionally, not all County Sheriff’s Offices have an online warrant database.
How Long Does a Warrant Stay Active in Wyoming?
All warrants in Wyoming, excluding search warrants, remain active until executed. However, search warrants expire after 10 days from the issuance date.
How Do I Find Out If I Have a Federal Warrant?
The U.S. Marshals Service serves arrest warrants secured by federal law enforcement agencies like the FBI and DEA. When a federal law enforcement agency obtains a warrant to arrest an individual, the person usually won’t be aware until US Marshals knock on their door.
The Warrant Information System (WIN), a database of the US Marshals Service, contains federal warrants, court records, and other information related to arrest warrants issued against an individual. However, WIN is inaccessible to the general public, and only authorized law enforcement officers may access it.
Individuals may only know if they have an arrest warrant if someone related to the case was arrested. But this is not reliable and proactive. To know if one has an arrest warrant, it is important to consult a federal defense attorney with the resources to confirm whether a warrant exists. The attorney can also advise on other necessary steps, such as arranging a surrender.
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