What are Lewis and Clark County Arrest Records?
Lewis and Clark County arrest records are official documents showing arrest information and their numbers in the county. These records are generated and disseminated by local law enforcement agencies. They provide information detailing the solved-crime rate of their jurisdiction. The Lewis and Clark County Sheriff serves as the main law enforcement agency for the county. Requests for Lewis and Clark County arrest records should be forwarded to:
Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Office
406 Fuller Ave.
Helena, MT 59601
Phone: (406) 447-8235
Note: Arrest records should not be used as an alternative to criminal history information. Although arrest records imply that a person has been taken into custody as part of an active investigation, it does not mean that the person was involved in the crime.
Crime Statistics
In 2017, Lewis and Clark County recorded a total number of 515 crimes. This number includes 99 violent crimes and 416 property crimes. Violent crimes included 1 murder, 28 rapes, 3 robberies, and 67 aggravated assaults. Property crimes recorded include 124 burglaries, 252 larcenies, 40 motor vehicle thefts, and 5 arsons. Compared to the 2013 crime figure for the county, the county recorded a slight increase in total crimes recorded over the 5-year period. Between 2017 and 2013, the county recorded a 50% increase in rapes, a 200% increase in robberies, an 81% increase in aggravated assaults, a 48% increase in burglaries, an 11% decrease in larcenies, 33% increase in motor vehicle theft, and 17% decrease in arsons.
What are Lewis and Clark County Criminal Records?
Lewis and Clark County criminal records are official documents that provide detailed information about the criminal and crime-related history of a person in the county. The Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Office processes the county’s criminal records, while the Division of Criminal Investigation (under the Montana Department of Justice) provides interested individuals with access to criminal records through background checks. Criminal records are available to the general public and agencies of all levels of government.
How Do I Get Lewis and Clark County Criminal Records?
Residents can obtain criminal records using either name-based checks or fingerprint-based checks. Name-based checks provide criminal history information from information such as the individual’s name, social security number, and date of birth. Fingerprint-based checks provide more accurate and comprehensive information about an individual’s criminal history information.
Name-based checks can be done online and by mail. Online searches can be done through the CHOPRS – Criminal History Online Public Record Search. This service is available to members of the general public and registered users. To be a registered user, click the “Become a Registered User” button. Criminal history searches cost $12 per search. This can be paid with credit cards. Mail-in requests can be made by submitting a written request. The request should include:
- The name of the record subject
- The person’s date of birth
- The person’s Social Security number
A self-addressed stamped envelope, payment, and a written request should be submitted via mail to:
Montana Criminal Records
P.O. Box 201403
Helena, MT 59620-1403
E-mail: dojcriss@mt.gov
Phone: (406) 444-3625
Fax: (406) 444-0689
The processing fee for each request is $15, payable by check or money order. Fingerprint-based checks can be made via mail or in person. To make requests, the requester must include an applicant fingerprint card. This card can be obtained from every local law enforcement agency or from the Montana Criminal Records Division. The following information should be filled out on the fingerprint card:
- Subject’s name - in the order of last name, first name, and middle name
- Previous names. Maiden Name, and Aliases (if any)
- Date of Birth
- Social Security Number
- All personal identification
- The Signature of the individual and the official taking the fingerprints
- In the Employer and Address field, enter the name and address of the person or business to which the results of the background check should be sent
- In the Reason Fingerprinted box, enter “State Only / WIN background check.”
This card, along with a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment should be sent to:
Montana Criminal Records
P.O. Box 201403
Helena, MT 59620-1403
E-mail: dojcriss@mt.gov
Phone: (406) 444-3625
Fax: (406) 444-0689
In-person requests can be made by visiting the Montana Department of Justice – Criminal Records and Identification Services Section at:
2225 11th Avenue
Helena MT 59620-1403
Monday - Friday; between 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
How to Find Lewis and Clark County Sex Offender Information
Lewis and Clark County sex offender information can be viewed on the sex offender registry. This registry is maintained by the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff and the Helena Police Department. Residents of Lewis and Clark County can use this registry to search and locate sex offenders in their neighborhoods. They can also register for email alerts to receive information whenever a published offender registers within the selected radius of their desired addresses.
For more inquiries, please contact:
Lewis & Clark County, MT
221 Breckenridge St
Helena, MT 59601
Telephone: (406) 442-7883
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Lewis and Clark County Jail?
Visitation time at the jail facility occurs on Saturday, Sunday, and holidays between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. On these days, inmates are allowed only 120 minutes to visit per day. Picture identification of the visitor will be required. The visitor must be eighteen (18) years old or older. If they are under eighteen (18) years of age and are an immediate family member, they may visit but must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Lewis and Clark County Jail is operated by the Lewis and Clark Sheriff’s Office
Lewis and Clark County Jail
221 Breckenridge
Helena, MT 59601
Phone: (406) 447-8232
Inmates are required to fill out a visitor request form listing those who they wish to have visits with, which is turned into the detention center staff. For more information on visitation, check out the Inmate Visitation Website.
Where and How to Find Lewis and Clark County Inmate Information
To access inmate information, interested individuals should visit the Lewis and Clark County Jail page, and click on “Inmate Roster”. The detention center uploads a PDF document listing inmates currently in the facility. This document is updated regularly.
What are Lewis and Clark County Court Records?
Lewis and Clark County court records are public records that can be requested by interested individuals. Court records are in the custody of the court that decided the case. The Lewis and Clark Clerk of the District Court keeps the records of the county’s district court. This record can be requested by filling out the Request for Copies form or Search Request form. The form along with a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment can be mailed to:
Clerk of District Court
P.O. Box 158
Helena, MT 59604
Justice court records can be accessed at $2 per record search. Requests should be made by querying the Lewis and Clark County Justice Court at:
Lewis and Clark County Courthouse
228 Broadway, Room 102
Helena, MT 59601
Phone: (406) 447-8201 (Civil, Small Claims)
Phone: (406) 447-8202 (Criminal)
Fax: (406) 447-8269
Other court records can be obtained by visiting the court division where the case was handled.
Location of All Courts in Lewis and Clark County
Lewis and Clark County has one District Court, one Justice Court, one City Court, and one Municipal Court. Below are the addresses and contact information of all the courthouses in Lewis and Clark County, Montana:
Lewis and Clark County District Court
Lewis and Clark County Courthouse
228 Broadway, Room 104
P.O. Box 158
Helena, MT 59624
Phone: (406) 447-8216
Fax: (406) 447-8275
Lewis and Clark County Justice Court
Lewis and Clark County Courthouse
228 Broadway, Room 102
Helena, MT 59601
Phone: (406) 447-8201 (Civil, Small Claims)
Phone: (406) 447-8202 (Criminal)
Fax: (406) 447-8269
Lewis and Clark County City Court
East Helena City Court
306 East Main
P.O. Box 1170
East Helena, MT 59635
Phone: (406) 227-5321
Lewis and Clark County Municipal Court
Helena Municipal Court
Lewis and Clark County Courthouse
228 Broadway
Helena, MT 59601
Phone: (406) 447-8466
Fax: (406) 447-8265
What are Lewis and Clark County Vital Records
Lewis and Clark County vital records are official documents evidencing vital events that happened in the county. This includes birth, death, marriage, and divorce records. In Montana, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services is the custodian of state-wide vital records. It issues copies of these records to interested and eligible persons. At the county level, marriage and divorce records are maintained by the Clerk of the District Court, and birth and death records are maintained by the Lewis and Clark County Records Department. Lewis and Clark County’s vital records are generally open to the public.
Where and How to Get Lewis and Clark County Divorce Records
Lewis and Clark County divorce records can be requested from the Clerk of the District Court via mail. Requests can be made by completing the Request for Copy of Divorce Record form. This form, along with a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment can be mailed to:
Clerk of District Court
P.O. Box 158
Helena MT 59604
Each informational copy requested costs $10, and each certified copy costs $12. This can be paid in check or through a money order.
Where and How to Get Lewis and Clark County Marriage Records
Certified copies of Lewis and Clark County marriage records can be requested from the Clerk of District Court. To make requests, fill out the Request for Copy of Marriage Record form. The completed form, accompanied with a self-addressed stamped envelope and evidence of payment should be mailed to:
Clerk of District Court
P.O. Box 158
Helena MT 59604
Each uncertified copy requested costs $5, and each certified copy costs $7. This can be paid in check or through a money order.
Where and How to Get Lewis and Clark County Birth Records
Birth records can also be requested via mail from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. Interested parties should complete either the Montana Birth Record Application. Payment and a copy of the requester’s valid ID are required. Any of the suggested identifications can be submitted as a copy of the requester’s ID. Each certified copy of birth records cost $12, while informational copies cost $10 per copy. Payment could be made by cheque or money order made payable to “Montana Vital Records”.
Interested parties can also request records by submitting a completed Birth Certificate Order Form to the county’s vital records office. For each request, a valid photo ID is needed, as well as evidence of payment. Each certified copy of a birth record requested costs $8. The filled-out form, evidence of payment, and valid photo ID should be mailed to:
Lewis and Clark County, Records Department
316 North Park Ave. - Room #113
Helena, Montana 59623
The completed form and accompanying documents may be submitted in person or via mail to:
Office of Vital Records
Department of Public Health and Human Services
111 North Sanders Room 6
P.O. Box 4210
Helena MT 59604
Where and How to Get Lewis and Clark County Death Records
Requests for Lewis and Clark County death records can be made via mail to the Records Department of the county. Any person interested in obtaining a death record should complete the Death Certificate Order Form. The completed form, evidence of payment, and valid photo ID should be mailed to:
Lewis and Clark County, Records Department
316 North Park Ave. - Room #113
Helena, Montana 59623
Each certified copy of a death record cost $5 each.
The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services also provides interested eligible individuals with access to death records of the state. Requests are made via mail. Fill out the Montana Death Record Application form. Payment and a copy of any of the suggested identifications are required. Death records cost $15 per certified copy, and each informational copy costs $13. Payment could be made by cheque or money order made payable to “Montana Vital Records”.
The filled-out form, payment, and identification should be submitted in person or via mail to:
Office of Vital Records
Department of Public Health and Human Services
111 North Sanders Room 6
P.O. Box 4210
Helena MT 59604
In addition to government agencies, county public records may also be obtained from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for expansive searches. Record seekers may either opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. Users are able to search third-party websites remotely for multiple records at a time with just the name of the record subject and their last known location, including the city, county, or state. Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
