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Flathead County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Flathead County

Arrest records in Flathead County are considered public information under Montana law. Pursuant to the Montana Constitution Article II, Section 9, citizens have the right to examine government documents and observe deliberations of public bodies, except in cases where the demand of individual privacy clearly exceeds the merits of public disclosure. This constitutional provision is further implemented through the Montana Public Records Act § 2-6-1003, which establishes that government records are presumptively open to public inspection.

It is important for members of the public to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records:

  • Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. An arrest is not proof of guilt.
  • Conviction records indicate that an individual has been found guilty of a crime through a legal proceeding.

The Flathead County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records and makes certain information available to the public through their jail roster system. However, some information within arrest records may be redacted or restricted if disclosure would violate privacy rights, compromise an ongoing investigation, or endanger public safety.

Flathead County Sheriff's Office
920 South Main Street
Kalispell, MT 59901
(406) 758-5585
Flathead County Sheriff's Office

What's in Flathead County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by Flathead County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. The content of these records is standardized in accordance with Montana Code Annotated § 44-5-103, which defines criminal justice information and its components. The following information is generally included in Flathead County arrest records:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

  • Full legal name
  • Aliases or known nicknames
  • Date of birth
  • Gender
  • Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
  • Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
  • Residential address
  • Photograph (mugshot)
  • Fingerprints

Arrest Details:

  • Date and time of arrest
  • Location of arrest
  • Arresting agency
  • Arresting officer's name and badge number
  • Circumstances leading to arrest

Charge Information:

  • Criminal charges filed
  • Statute or ordinance citations
  • Classification of offense (felony, misdemeanor)
  • Description of alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

  • Warrant number
  • Issuing court
  • Date of issuance
  • Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)

Booking Information:

  • Booking number
  • Date and time of booking
  • Processing officer information
  • Property inventory

Bond/Bail Information:

  • Bail amount set
  • Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
  • Bond status (posted, denied, pending)

Court Information:

  • Court of jurisdiction
  • Case number
  • Scheduled court appearances
  • Judge assigned to case

Custody Status:

  • Current detention status
  • Housing location within detention facility
  • Scheduled release date (if applicable)
  • Release conditions (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

  • Prior arrest history
  • Probation or parole status
  • Protective orders
  • Risk assessment information
  • Medical alerts or special needs

The Flathead County Jail Roster provides public access to certain elements of this information, particularly focusing on current inmates, recent bookings, and releases from the Flathead County Detention Center.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Flathead County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Flathead County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains current systems that allow for both in-person and online record retrieval. Individuals may follow these steps to obtain arrest records:

  1. Online Search via Jail Roster

    • Visit the Flathead County Jail Roster website
    • Search by name, booking date, or release date
    • View basic information about current inmates and recent bookings or releases

  2. In-Person Request at Sheriff's Office

    • Visit the Records Division at the Flathead County Sheriff's Office during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
    • Complete a public records request form
    • Provide identification and specify the records being requested
    • Pay applicable fees for document reproduction

Flathead County Sheriff's Office Records Division
920 South Main Street
Kalispell, MT 59901
(406) 758-5585
Flathead County Sheriff's Office

  1. Written Request

    • Submit a written request via mail, email, or fax to the Sheriff's Office Records Division
    • Include requestor's full name, contact information, and specific information about the records being sought
    • Allow 10 business days for processing as required by Montana law

  2. Court Records Search

Flathead County District Court
920 South Main Street
Kalispell, MT 59901
(406) 758-5906
Flathead County District Court

When requesting arrest records, individuals should be prepared to provide:

  • Full name of the person whose records are being sought
  • Date of birth or approximate age
  • Date or approximate date of arrest (if known)
  • Case number (if known)
  • Valid government-issued photo identification

Pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1006, agencies may charge reasonable fees for document reproduction and staff time required to fulfill public records requests.

How To Find Flathead County Arrest Records Online

Flathead County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests and are available to the public at any time. The following online resources can be utilized to locate arrest information:

  1. Flathead County Jail Roster System

    • The Flathead County Jail Roster provides real-time information about individuals currently detained in the county detention center
    • Users can search for:
      • Current inmates by last name
      • Recent bookings (typically within the last 48 hours)
      • Recent releases (typically within the last 7 days)
    • Information displayed includes name, booking date, charges, and custody status
    • The system is updated continuously as individuals are booked into or released from custody

  2. Montana Courts Public Access Portal

    • The Montana Courts Public Access Portal provides access to court records related to arrests that have proceeded to prosecution
    • Users can search by name or case number
    • The portal includes information about scheduled court appearances, case status, and court documents
    • Registration may be required for full access to certain documents

  3. Montana Department of Corrections Offender Search

    • The Montana Offender Search database allows users to locate information about individuals who have been convicted of felonies and are under Department of Corrections supervision
    • This resource is particularly useful for finding information about individuals who have been transferred from county custody to state custody following conviction
    • Search by name to access custody status, location, and offense information

  4. Montana Department of Justice Background Check System

    • The Montana Department of Justice provides a fee-based system for conducting criminal history background checks
    • This system provides more comprehensive arrest and conviction information than the free public resources
    • Requires submission of fingerprints and payment of applicable fees
    • Results include statewide arrest and conviction records

When using online systems to access arrest records, users should note that:

  • Information may be limited compared to official records obtained directly from the Sheriff's Office
  • Some sensitive information may be redacted from online records
  • Recent arrests may not appear immediately in all systems
  • Technical limitations may occasionally affect data availability

How To Search Flathead County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public have several options for accessing Flathead County arrest records without incurring fees. Montana's constitutional right to know and public records laws facilitate free access to basic arrest information through the following methods:

  1. Flathead County Jail Roster

    • The Flathead County Jail Roster provides free, unrestricted access to current inmate information
    • Users can search by:
      • Last name
      • Booking date
      • Release date
    • The system displays:
      • Inmate name and demographic information
      • Booking date
      • Charges
      • Bond information
      • Scheduled court dates
    • This resource is particularly useful for checking recent bookings and recent releases

  2. In-Person Record Inspection

    • Montana law permits individuals to inspect public records without charge
    • Visit the Flathead County Sheriff's Office Records Division during business hours
    • Request to view specific arrest records
    • Take notes on record contents without requesting copies
    • Note that while inspection is free, reproduction of records may incur fees

Flathead County Sheriff's Office Records Division
920 South Main Street
Kalispell, MT 59901
(406) 758-5585
Flathead County Sheriff's Office

  1. Public Access Terminals at Courthouse
    • The Flathead County Courthouse provides public access terminals for searching court records
    • These terminals can be used to locate information about arrests that have resulted in court cases
    • Available during regular courthouse hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
    • No fee for terminal use, though printing may incur charges

Flathead County Courthouse
920 South Main Street
Kalispell, MT 59901
(406) 758-5906
Flathead County District Court

  1. Local Law Enforcement Websites
    • Some municipal police departments within Flathead County maintain their own arrest information
    • The Whitefish Police Department provides certain public safety information on their website
    • These resources typically focus on recent arrests within city limits

When utilizing free resources to access arrest records, individuals should be aware that:

  • Free resources may not provide complete arrest histories
  • Some information may be redacted from publicly accessible records
  • Records for juvenile arrests are generally not available through public resources
  • Certain sensitive cases (e.g., sexual assault investigations) may have limited public information

How To Delete Arrest Records in Flathead County

Under Montana law, individuals may have options to limit public access to their arrest records through legal processes of expungement or sealing. These processes are governed by specific statutes and require court approval. The distinction between these remedies is important:

  • Expungement refers to the complete destruction or deletion of records
  • Sealing restricts public access to records while maintaining them for limited official purposes

Pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 46-18-1101, individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records under the following circumstances:

  1. Arrests Not Resulting in Charges

    • If an arrest did not result in charges being filed within one year
    • The individual must not have been charged with any other crime during that period
    • A petition must be filed with the court in the jurisdiction where the arrest occurred

  2. Dismissed Charges

    • If charges were filed but later dismissed
    • The prosecutor must not object to the expungement
    • At least one year must have passed since dismissal

  3. Deferred Prosecution

    • If the individual successfully completed a deferred prosecution agreement
    • All conditions of the agreement must have been fulfilled
    • The required waiting period (typically 1-3 years) must have elapsed

  4. Misdemeanor Convictions

    • Certain misdemeanor convictions may be eligible for expungement
    • The individual must have completed all sentencing requirements
    • A waiting period of 5 years with no new offenses must be satisfied

The process for seeking expungement or sealing of records in Flathead County includes:

  1. Consult with an Attorney

    • Due to the legal complexity, professional legal guidance is advisable
    • Determine eligibility based on specific circumstances

  2. Prepare Petition

    • Complete the appropriate petition form
    • Gather supporting documentation, including:
      • Certified copy of disposition
      • Criminal history record
      • Evidence of rehabilitation

  3. File with Court

    • Submit petition to the Flathead County District Court
    • Pay applicable filing fees
    • Request a hearing date

  4. Attend Hearing

    • Present case before a judge
    • Demonstrate eligibility under statutory requirements
    • Address any objections from the prosecutor

  5. Implementation

    • If granted, the court will issue an order to relevant agencies
    • Agencies must comply with the order within a specified timeframe
    • Follow up to ensure compliance

Flathead County District Court
920 South Main Street
Kalispell, MT 59901
(406) 758-5906
Flathead County District Court

It is important to note that even when records are expunged or sealed at the county level, they may still exist in federal databases or private information systems. Additionally, certain government agencies may retain access to sealed records for specific purposes, such as law enforcement investigations or employment screening for sensitive positions.

What Happens After Arrest in Flathead County?

Following an arrest in Flathead County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Montana state law and local procedures. This process typically progresses through several distinct phases:

  1. Arrest and Booking

    • Upon arrest, individuals are transported to the Flathead County Detention Center
    • During booking, the following occurs:
      • Personal information is recorded
      • Fingerprints and photographs are taken
      • Personal property is inventoried and secured
      • Medical screening is conducted
      • Initial custody classification is determined

  2. Initial Appearance

    • Occurs within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays)
    • Judge informs the individual of:
      • Charges filed
      • Constitutional rights
      • Right to counsel (public defender appointed if financially eligible)
    • Bail determination is made based on:
      • Nature and severity of charges
      • Criminal history
      • Community ties
      • Flight risk assessment
      • Public safety considerations

  3. Preliminary Hearing/Grand Jury (Felony Cases)

    • For felony charges, a preliminary hearing determines if probable cause exists
    • Alternatively, a grand jury may review evidence and issue an indictment
    • Must occur within a reasonable time after the initial appearance
    • If probable cause is not established, charges may be dismissed

  4. Arraignment

    • Formal reading of charges
    • Defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
    • Trial date may be set if not guilty plea is entered
    • Pretrial release conditions may be established or modified

  5. Pretrial Proceedings

    • Discovery process where evidence is exchanged between prosecution and defense
    • Pretrial motions may be filed (e.g., motion to suppress evidence)
    • Plea negotiations may occur
    • Case management conferences to track progress

  6. Trial

    • Misdemeanor trials typically held in Flathead County Justice Court
    • Felony trials held in Flathead County District Court
    • Jury selection and trial proceedings follow Montana Rules of Criminal Procedure
    • Burden of proof rests with prosecution to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt

  7. Sentencing (If Convicted)

    • Occurs after guilty plea or verdict
    • Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
    • Victim impact statements may be presented
    • Judge determines sentence based on:
      • Montana sentencing guidelines
      • Nature of offense
      • Criminal history
      • Mitigating or aggravating factors

  8. Post-Conviction

    • Individuals may be:
      • Released on probation
      • Incarcerated in county jail (misdemeanors or short felony sentences)
      • Transferred to Montana Department of Corrections custody (longer felony sentences)
    • Appeal rights are explained
    • Restitution and fine payment schedules established

Throughout this process, individuals may be detained at the Flathead County Detention Center or released on bail or their own recognizance. The Whitefish Police Department maintains a temporary holding facility, but individuals arrested in Whitefish are typically transferred to the county detention center for processing and housing.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Flathead County?

Arrest records in Flathead County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Montana state law and local government policies. The Montana Local Government Records Committee establishes minimum retention periods for various types of records, including those related to law enforcement activities and arrests.

Pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1012, local government records must be maintained for specific periods based on their administrative, legal, fiscal, and historical value. For arrest records, the following retention periods generally apply:

  1. Arrest Reports and Booking Information

    • Felony arrests: Permanent retention
    • Misdemeanor arrests: Minimum 10-year retention
    • Juvenile arrests: Until the individual reaches age 18, then sealed or destroyed unless transferred to adult court

  2. Fingerprint Records

    • Felony arrests: Permanent retention
    • Misdemeanor arrests: Retained for 10 years after case closure
    • Copies forwarded to the Montana Department of Justice for inclusion in state and federal databases

  3. Photographs (Mugshots)

    • Felony arrests: Permanent retention
    • Misdemeanor arrests: Retained for 10 years after case closure
    • May be maintained in digital format indefinitely for law enforcement purposes

  4. Investigation Reports Related to Arrests

    • Homicide cases: Permanent retention
    • Sexual assault cases: 75-year retention
    • Other felony cases: 25-year retention
    • Misdemeanor cases: 10-year retention after case closure

  5. Jail Records

    • Inmate booking and release information: 10-year retention
    • Inmate medical records: 7-year retention after release
    • Jail incident reports: 10-year retention

Different agencies within Flathead County may maintain separate records systems with varying retention practices:

It is important to note that even after the minimum retention period has expired, records may be maintained longer at the discretion of the agency. Additionally, records that have been digitized may be preserved indefinitely due to minimal storage costs and potential future investigative value.

The retention of arrest records serves several important purposes:

  • Preserves evidence for ongoing and future investigations
  • Supports prosecution of cases
  • Provides documentation for background checks
  • Maintains historical information for statistical and research purposes
  • Ensures accountability of law enforcement agencies

How to Find Mugshots in Flathead County

Mugshots, or booking photographs, are created as part of the arrest and booking process in Flathead County. These images serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of arrest and are considered public records with certain limitations.

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots are standardized photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process. Typically, these include:

  • Front-facing (frontal) photograph
  • Profile (side-view) photograph
  • Identifying information such as booking number and date
  • Height measurement markers in the background

These photographs serve several legitimate law enforcement purposes:

  • Documenting the physical condition of arrestees at booking
  • Assisting in identification of individuals in custody
  • Providing visual identification for law enforcement databases
  • Facilitating recognition by witnesses or victims

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Flathead County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:

Finding Mugshots

Members of the public seeking mugshots in Flathead County have several options:

  1. In-Person Request
    • Visit the Flathead County Sheriff's Office Records Division
    • Complete a public records request form specifically requesting booking photographs
    • Provide identifying information about the individual (full name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest)
    • Pay applicable fees for reproduction

Flathead County Sheriff's Office Records Division
920 South Main Street
Kalispell, MT 59901
(406) 758-5585
Flathead County Sheriff's Office

  1. Written Request
    • Submit a formal written request to the Sheriff's Office
    • Include specific details about the mugshot being requested
    • Provide return address and contact information
    • Include payment for applicable fees

Can Mugshots Be Found Online

Unlike some jurisdictions, Flathead County does not currently publish a comprehensive online database of mugshots. However, limited information may be available through:

  • The Flathead County Jail Roster includes basic information about current inmates but typically does not display mugshots
  • Local news media websites may publish mugshots in connection with news stories about arrests, particularly in high-profile cases
  • Third-party websites that aggregate mugshots from various sources may include Flathead County arrests, though these sites often charge fees for removal and may not maintain accurate information

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

The most reliable method for obtaining official mugshots is through a formal records request to the Flathead County Sheriff's Office. This ensures:

  • The photograph is authentic and unaltered
  • Associated information is accurate
  • The request is processed in accordance with Montana public records laws

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

While mugshots are generally considered public records, access may be restricted in certain circumstances:

  • Juvenile arrest photographs are confidential under Montana law
  • Photographs related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
  • Images that would compromise victim privacy (particularly in sensitive cases) may be redacted
  • Mugshots of individuals whose records have been expunged or sealed are not available to the public

Individuals should be aware that Montana has enacted legislation (Montana Code Annotated § 44-5-311) regulating the use of criminal justice information, including mugshots, by commercial entities. This law provides certain protections against exploitative practices involving booking photographs.

Lookup Arrest Records in Flathead County

Jail Roster - Flathead County Sheriff's Office

Sheriff's Office | Flathead County, MT

Recent Bookings - Flathead County Detention Center

Public Records - Flathead County

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Montana Public Access Portal

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