Wyoming Warrant Search

Wyoming Warrant Search
What is a Wyoming Warrant Search?
How To Conduct a Warrant Search in Wyoming
Are Wyoming Warrant Records Publicly Accessible?
How Are Warrants Issued in Wyoming?
Common Types of Warrants in Wyoming
How Long Are Warrants Valid in Wyoming?
How To Find Out If You Have a Warrant in Wyoming
FAQ

If you need to check whether an individual has an active warrant issued against them in Wyoming, conducting a warrant search is an essential step. This process helps provide key information, such as the type of warrant, the date of issuance, and the issuing authority. Whether you are carrying out due diligence or simply conducting personal research, warrant records are often accessible through local law enforcement agencies, courts, or authorized databases, depending on the nature of the warrant and any applicable privacy laws.

What is a Wyoming Warrant Search?

A warrant is a legal document issued by a court that authorizes law enforcement officers to carry out specific actions, such as making an arrest, conducting a search, or seizing property. A Wyoming warrant search involves reviewing official records to determine whether any warrants, active or historical, have been issued within the state. Under the Wyoming Public Records Act, most warrant records are considered public and are accessible during regular business hours. To access these records, you may need to contact the relevant custodian, such as a county sheriff's office, local court clerk, or city police department.

However, access to certain records may be limited. Juvenile warrants, sealed cases, and documents related to ongoing investigations are often confidential and not available to the general public. These restrictions help protect privacy and maintain the integrity of sensitive legal proceedings.

How To Conduct a Warrant Search in Wyoming

If you need to conduct a warrant search in Wyoming, there are several reliable methods you can use:

You may contact the relevant county sheriff's office or municipal police department directly. Some counties offer online tools for searching for warrants or provide downloadable lists on their official websites.
You may visit the Wyoming Judicial Branch website. While Wyoming does not have a centralized online database for all warrant information, the Wyoming Judicial Branch offers access to certain public court records through the Supreme Court's public docket.
Using reputable third-party search websites that aggregate public records, including warrants, from various jurisdictions.

County Sheriff's Offices and Local Police Departments

You can conduct a warrant search by contacting the sheriff's office or police department in the county or municipality where the warrant was issued. Wyoming relies primarily on local recordkeeping; hence, many counties do not provide public warrant information online. However, some counties, like Natrona County and Teton County, maintain active warrant lists on their official websites. These lists often include names of individuals with outstanding warrants, along with additional details like case numbers, charges, and the issuing court. However, online availability and access vary by jurisdiction. Therefore, for the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is best to consult the relevant law enforcement agency directly.

Are Wyoming Warrant Records Publicly Accessible?

In Wyoming, most warrant records are considered public information under Title 16, Article 2 of the Wyoming Public Records Act. This law allows individuals to obtain copies of public records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement, unless those records fall under a specific exemption. This means you can generally access warrant information by contacting the relevant sheriff's office, police department, or courthouse in the jurisdiction where the warrant was issued. Some counties may also publish active warrant lists on their official websites, though online availability varies depending on local policies and available resources.

When filing a request, you may be asked to provide identifying details such as the individual's full name, date of birth, or the approximate date and nature of the offense. Depending on the agency, administrative fees may apply for printed copies or formal record processing.

However, not all warrant records are publicly accessible. Certain categories, such as juvenile warrants, sealed court records, or warrants associated with ongoing investigations, are considered confidential. In addition, records filed with a court to obtain a search warrant, such as applications, affidavits, or supporting documents, are typically sealed until the warrant has been executed and returned to the issuing court.

How Are Warrants Issued in Wyoming?

The legal foundation for issuing and executing warrants in Wyoming is firmly rooted in both statutory law and court-promulgated procedural rules. Specifically, the process is governed by Title 7, Chapters 7 and 8 of the 2024 Wyoming Statutes, as well as Rules 4 and 9 of the Wyoming Rules of Criminal Procedure. Before a warrant may be authorized, specific legal criteria must be satisfied, ensuring that law enforcement actions are grounded in law and not arbitrary. Key steps in this process include the establishment of probable cause, judicial authorization, and proper documentation. Together, these safeguards help maintain the integrity of the state's criminal justice system while enabling effective enforcement of the law.

Probable Cause Determination

In Wyoming, warrants are issued based on probable cause. This means that law enforcement must present sufficient facts or evidence to convince the court that a crime has likely been committed and that the person named in the warrant is connected to that crime or that the location to be searched contains evidence related to it.

Probable cause may be established by witness statements, physical or forensic evidence, informant tips, or other credible information. For example, if officers observe suspicious behavior combined with other corroborating facts, such as contraband in plain sight or forensic evidence, they may use that information to justify a warrant application. The officer requesting the warrant is often required to provide a written affidavit outlining the facts and rationale for probable cause.

Issuance by a Judge or Magistrate

Once probable cause has been established, the law enforcement officer must present a sworn affidavit, along with any supporting evidence, to an authorized judicial officer. In Wyoming, this usually includes a district court judge, circuit court judge, or magistrate. The judicial officer will carefully review the documents to ensure that probable cause exists and that all legal requirements have been met. If satisfied, they will authorize and sign the warrant, granting legal permission to execute the requested action.

Entry into Law Enforcement Databases

Once a warrant is lawfully issued, it is typically entered into one or more official law enforcement databases to ensure accessibility and enforcement across jurisdictions. At the local level, sheriff's offices and police departments record warrant information in their internal systems to facilitate timely execution within their jurisdictions. For broader coordination, warrant details are often uploaded to the Wyoming Criminal Justice Information System (WCJIS), a statewide platform that supports information sharing among criminal justice agencies. Additionally, depending on the nature and seriousness of the offense, the warrant may be entered into national databases such as the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC).

While the full details of these databases are typically reserved for law enforcement use, certain (usually very limited) details may be made available to the public, typically through law enforcement and court-provided online portals.

Common Types of Warrants in Wyoming

In Wyoming, courts issue several types of warrants, each serving a specific legal purpose. They include, but are not limited to:

Arrest Warrants: These authorize law enforcement to apprehend and detain a person suspected of committing a crime. Arrest warrants are sometimes referred to as “straight warrants.”
Bench Warrants: These are issued when an individual fails to comply with court orders, such as failing to appear in court as required, missing a probation hearing, or not paying court-ordered child support. Bench warrants are sometimes referred to as “default warrants.”
Search Warrants: These authorize law enforcement to search a specific location for evidence related to a crime.
Governor's Warrant: These are issued to facilitate the extradition of a fugitive from another state.
Capias Warrants: These are similar to bench warrants but are typically used in civil cases.

Arrest Warrants in Wyoming

An arrest warrant is a court order that authorizes law enforcement to take a suspect into custody. In Wyoming, these warrants are typically issued after a judge or magistrate reviews an affidavit submitted by a law enforcement officer, establishing probable cause that the person named in the warrant has committed a crime.

Arrest warrants are frequently issued in connection with criminal investigations and remain active until the individual is taken into custody or the warrant is officially withdrawn by the court. Once issued, arrest warrants are entered into local and national law enforcement databases and may be enforced across jurisdictions.

Bench Warrants

Bench warrants are issued directly by a judge, usually in response to a person's failure to appear in court, violation of probation terms, or failure to comply with a court order. In Wyoming, once a bench warrant is issued, law enforcement is authorized to arrest the individual and bring them before the court. These warrants remain active until the individual is apprehended or voluntarily appears before a judge to resolve the matter or the warrant is recalled.

Search Warrants

A search warrant grants law enforcement officers the legal authority to search a specific person or property (such as a home, vehicle, or business) for evidence related to a criminal investigation. They are issued by the court only upon a finding of probable cause, supported by a sworn affidavit that describes the place to be searched and the items to be seized.

These warrants are governed by Rule 41 of the Wyoming Rules of Criminal Procedure and are also subject to constitutional safeguards under the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. Once issued, a search warrant in Wyoming must be executed within ten (10) days and, unless otherwise authorized for good cause, must be carried out between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.

Capias Warrants

A capias warrant, sometimes referred to as a writ of capias, is issued by a court when an individual fails to comply with a court order. In Wyoming, these warrants often arise in civil or post-judgment proceedings, for example, failing to pay court-ordered fines, refusing to respond to a subpoena, or refusing to appear for a scheduled deposition.

These warrants authorize law enforcement to take the individual into custody and bring them before the court to answer for their noncompliance. These warrants remain active until the individual is either taken into custody, voluntarily appears in court, or the warrant is recalled by the court.

How Long Are Warrants Valid in Wyoming?

In Wyoming, the validity period of a warrant is mostly determined by the type issued. Most warrants, including arrest, bench, and capias warrants, have no statutory expiration date. These warrants remain active indefinitely until they are executed, quashed, or recalled by the issuing court.

However, search warrants must be executed within 10 days of issuance and can only be served between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., unless the court authorizes otherwise for good cause. Once executed, the warrant must be returned to the issuing court, together with a report on the activities done in response to it.

While arrest and bench warrants do not expire, the ability to prosecute the underlying offense may depend on the specific crime and any applicable limitations addressed within the state's statutes or case law.

How To Find Out If You Have a Warrant in Wyoming

You may find out if you have an outstanding warrant in Wyoming by taking several actions:

Contact local law enforcement: One of the most direct methods is to call the non-emergency number of the sheriff's office or police department in the county where the warrant may have been issued. In Wyoming, many local agencies maintain internal databases of active warrants and may confirm their existence upon request. However, be cautious because if a warrant is confirmed, law enforcement may take immediate steps to execute it. Always call rather than walk in, unless advised by legal counsel.
Check court records: You can also check for outstanding warrants by contacting the clerk of the District or Circuit Court in the county where the warrant was issued. The local court clerks may be able to provide information about pending criminal cases or court orders associated with your name. You may be required to provide identifying information or relevant case details for verification. Additionally, the Wyoming Judicial Branch offers access to certain public court records through the Supreme Court's public docket.
Utilize online databases: Some third-party websites, like RecordsFinder, may offer access to public record information, including possible warrants. However, it is essential to exercise caution and always confirm any findings through official channels.
Consult an attorney: When conducting a warrant search in Wyoming, it is typically best to consult an attorney, especially if you suspect there will be legal complications or if the information obtained online is unclear. Attorneys are often the most secure and effective way to determine whether you have an outstanding warrant, and they can also provide legal advice on how to resolve any active warrants.

FAQ

Can Police Search Your Car Without a Warrant in Wyoming?

Under both the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article 1, Section 4 of the Wyoming Constitution, individuals are protected against unreasonable searches and seizures. However, law enforcement officers in Wyoming may legally search a vehicle without a warrant under certain circumstances that fall within recognized legal exceptions.

One of the most commonly applied exceptions is the automobile exception, which permits officers to search a vehicle without a warrant if they have probable cause to believe that the vehicle contains evidence of a crime.

A warrantless vehicle search may also be legal if the driver or owner consents to it voluntarily. Another valid exception is the plain view doctrine; that is, if an officer lawfully stops a vehicle and sees contraband or evidence in plain sight, they may seize it without first obtaining a warrant. In addition, if a driver is lawfully arrested, officers may conduct a limited search of the vehicle's passenger compartment, particularly if they believe it may contain weapons or evidence related to the arrest. Finally, in cases where a vehicle is lawfully impounded, officers may perform an inventory search to record the vehicle's contents.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Search Warrant in Wyoming?

There is no fixed statutory timeframe for how long it takes to obtain a search warrant in Wyoming. The time required generally depends on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the availability of an authorized judicial officer to review the warrant application, the quality of the affidavit (the completeness and clarity of the evidence provided), and the urgency of the situation.

In straightforward cases, especially during regular court hours, law enforcement officers may secure a warrant within a few hours, particularly if probable cause is clearly established and a judge or magistrate is readily available. On the other hand, for more complex cases requiring extensive evidence review, the process could take longer, potentially up to a few days.

However, in urgent circumstances, like when there is a risk of evidence being destroyed or when public safety is at stake, the process may be expedited and the warrant issued within minutes. Note that this issuance must still be done by an authorized judicial officer, regardless of the nature of the emergency.

What Happens After a Search Warrant Is Executed?

The execution of a search warrant in Wyoming involves law enforcement officers entering the specified premises and conducting a search for the items listed in the warrant. They are required to follow strict protocols regarding the areas they can access and the items they are permitted to seize.

Officers usually prepare an inventory of all property seized during the execution of the warrant. A copy of the warrant and inventory must be left with the person from whom the property was taken; if that person is not present, the documents must be left on the premises in a conspicuous location. The person whose property was searched has the right to review the warrant at the time of execution and may later challenge the search or seizure in court if they believe their rights were violated. Although the occupant may observe the search, they cannot interfere (doing this puts them at risk of obstruction charges).

After the search is completed, the officer executing the warrant must return it to the issuing court along with the written inventory. This return includes details on when, where, and how the warrant was carried out.