What are Missoula County Public Records?
In line with the Montana Public Records Act, public records in Missoula County include all forms of information retained, owned, prepared, used by any public agency, excluding confidential information or documents protected from public disclosure. Missoula County public records can be typewritten, handwritten, photographed, taped, or stored electronically. However, information may be confidential and prohibited from public disclosure if:
- It is about judicial deliberations in adversarial proceedings
- It is deemed confidential under federal or state laws
- It is protected from disclosure because personal privacy exceeds the need for public disclosure
- It is deemed confidential by court order, findings, or decisions
- Confidentiality is necessary for maintaining the integrity and security of information systems or secure facilities maintained by or serving the state
Different public agencies are responsible for maintaining and disseminating records in line with the Montana Public Records Act. Usually, requesters may conduct online searches on the public database (if any) or make requests via mail, in person, or through other available channels.
In addition to government agencies, some public records may also be accessible 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. However, users will need to provide enough information to assist with the search, such as:
- The name of the subject involved in the record (subject must be older than 18 or not juvenile)
- The address of the requestor
- A case number or file number (if known)
- The location of the document or person involved
- The last known or current address of the registrant
Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Missoula County Crime Statistics
According to the 2020 crime data provided by the Montana Board of Crime Control (MBCC), there are 820.11 reported crimes for every 10,000 persons in Missoula County. A total of 9,975 offenses were recorded by various law enforcement agencies in the county during 2020. According to crime data by jurisdiction, the Missoula County Sheriff's Office reported 309 crimes against persons, 598 crimes against property, and 88 crimes against society.
On the other hand, the Missoula Police Department had 1,291 reported crimes against persons, 4,333 crimes against property, and 840 crimes against society. However, when compared to the 2019 crime data, total offenses in the county reduced by 3.2%.
Are Missoula County Criminal Records Public?
Missoula County criminal records are public but partly limited in accordance with Montana's privacy laws. For instance, the general public cannot access the complete criminal history record made available to law enforcement agencies but arrest and court disposition details on misdemeanor and felony charges. The Missoula criminal record received will not include information on deferred and dismissed cases and other sensitive case details.
Interested persons may conduct statewide criminal background checks through the Criminal Records and Identification Services Section of the Montana Department of Justice (DOJ). Alternatively, residents may request personal criminal records locally from the Missoula Police Department. For DOJ criminal records, individuals can conduct name-based or fingerprint-based checks through mail-in or walk-in requests, or online checks through the Criminal History Online Public Record Search (CHORPS). Checks can cost between $10 and $30 depending on the request method and scale of the search. Completed requests should be delivered to:
Mail:
Montana Criminal Records
P.O. Box 201403
Helena, MT 59620-1403
In-person:
Montana Department of Justice – Criminal Records and Identification Services Section
2225 11th Avenue
Helena, MT 59601
(Mondays to Fridays: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Email: dojcriss@mt.gov
Phone: (406) 444-3625
Fax: (406) 444-0689
For local requests, record subjects should send filled request forms, $15 fees, and other requirements to:
Missoula Police Department
Attn: Records
435 Ryman Street
Missoula, MT 59802
Phone: (406) 552-6303
How to Obtain Missoula County Police Reports and Arrest Records?
Missoula County arrest records, crash reports, police reports, and other crime-related records are available at different law enforcement agencies in Missoula County, depending on the case jurisdiction. For instance, arrest information on persons incarcerated in the Missoula County Jail may be available at the Missoula County Sheriff's Department and the specific arresting agency, such as the Missoula Police Department or other city police departments.
Additionally, police, incident, or crash reports are specifically available at the law enforcement agencies that filed the report. However, access is usually limited to involved parties. To request Missoula arrest records and reports from the Missoula Police Department, download request forms online, fill and deliver with fees and other requirements to:
Missoula Police Department
Attn: Records
435 Ryman Street
Missoula, MT 59802
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Missoula County
In compliance with the Montana Sexual or Violent Offender Registration Act, persons convicted of sexual offenses have to register and regularly update their whereabouts with local law enforcement agencies where they reside. The collected information on these offenders is then made available on the Sexual or Violent Offender Registry where persons may conduct offender or neighborhood searches. Users may use the following details to facilitate a search:
- Offender type (sexual, violent, or both)
- Offender's tier level (zero to three)
- Offender's last name
- City and county
- Postal code
- Non-compliancy status
- Search distance a specified mile radius
- Street address
Results may include:
- Date of birth and age
- Full name and aliases
- Known addresses
- Map location
- Offense and sentence details
- Offender type and designation
- Photograph (with image date)
- Physical description and body markings (with the date of the last update)
- Registration agency
Also, interested persons may search the list of non-compliant offenders or sign up for automatic email alerts when offenders move within a specified area.
How to Find Missoula County Inmate Records
Information on inmates in the Missoula County Detention Facility may be available on the online jail roster. The portal provides lists of current inmates, inmates released on the search date, and information on court appearances. Available details on inmates include:
- Name
- Age
- Booking ID
- Booking date and time
- Charge details
- Release date and time (for recently released inmates)
The Missoula County Detention Facility houses persons arrested by various enforcement agencies in the county, such as the Montana Highway Patrol, US Marshals Service, US Forrest Service, and Missoula Police Department. Hence, persons interested in obtaining more details on arrests or court cases should contact the arresting agency or court that filed the inmate's case. Further inmate information may be available by contacting the Missoula County Detention Facility at:
2340 Mullan Road,
Missoula, MT 59802
Phone: (406) 258-4000
Email: mcdfweb@missoulacounty.us
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Missoula County Jail?
Visits to inmates at the Missoula County Detention Facility depend on the inmate's privilege and are at the discretion of the jail supervisor or staff. It is the inmate's obligation to inform intending visitors about their availability for video visits. Hence, interested persons should contact the inmate beforehand.
Inmates in the Adult or Juvenile Detention Facility may receive offsite video visits from authorized family and friends through the permitted inmate visit service provider, after the intending visitors register, provide needed information, and schedule visits. Visitors also need to have the necessary devices, features, and internet connection to conduct an online video visit.
All visits are monitored and both inmates and visitors must adhere to the visitation rules or face sanctions like canceled visits, suspended privileges, banned visits, or even criminal charges.
Court Records
Serving Missoula County, the Fourth Judicial District Court presides over criminal and civil cases in the county. Missoula court records like dockets, decrees, and transcripts contain information of cases filed in a court and can be used for informational or official purposes. Interested persons can find these records at the specific court where a case is filed. The courts in Missoula County are located as follows:
Missoula County District Court
Missoula County Courthouse
200 West Broadway,
Missoula, MT 59802
Phone: (406) 258-4780
Fax: (406) 258-4899
Email: clerkofcourt@missoulacounty.us
Missoula County Justice Court
Missoula County Courthouse
200 West Broadway,
Missoula, MT 59802
Phone: (406) 258-3470
Fax: (406) 258-3935
Missoula Municipal Court
435 Ryman Street,
Missoula, MT 59802
Phone: (406) 552-6180
Fax: (406) 327-2129
Are Missoula County Court Records Public?
Most Missoula County court records are public unless if confidentiality is required by law, court order, or court ruling. For instance, if a court record or information contained within is protected from disclosure due to privacy laws, federal or state laws, or other conditions for confidentiality stated in the Montana Public Records Act, such records or information will be unavailable to the public.
How to Obtain Missoula County Civil Court Case Records
Records of civil cases filed in Missoula courts are available at the specific District, Justice, or Municipal Court that filed the case. Hence, persons interested in searching for and obtaining copies of court records should make queries in-person or send written request letters containing detailed case or record information to the custodian. For requests to the District Court, fax, email, or mail (with a self-addressed stamped envelope) to:
Clerk of District Court
200 West Broadway
Missoula, MT 59802
Fax: (406) 258-4899
Email: clerkofcourt@missoulacounty.us
Send requests to the Justice Court and Municipal Courts to the respective locations:
Missoula County Justice Court
Missoula County Courthouse
200 West Broadway,
Missoula, MT 59802
Phone: (406) 258-3470
Fax: (406) 258-3935
Missoula Municipal Court
435 Ryman Street,
Missoula, MT 59802
Phone: (406) 552-6180
Fax: (406) 327-2129
Usually, the court requires requesters to pay search, retrieval, or duplication fees with checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards. The District and Justice Courts charge $1 each for the first 10 copy pages (excluding divorce decree or marriage license) and 50cents for each subsequent page. However, searches cost $2 per name (for the first seven years) in the District Court and $10 per name in the Justice Court. On the other hand, Missoula Municipal Court charges a $5 search fee and 25cents from the third page (initial pages are free).
Note: The Missoula Municipal Court provides free search for government agencies, while victims or defendants can get up to 10 pages of a record for free.
How to Obtain Missoula County Criminal Court Records
Interested persons may obtain Missoula County criminal court records from the specific District, Justice, or Municipal Court that filed the case. To search or obtain copies of court records, make queries in-person or send written request letters containing detailed case or record information to the custodian. For requests to the District Court, fax, email, or mail (with a self-addressed stamped envelope) to:
Clerk of District Court
200 West Broadway
Missoula, MT 59802
Fax: (406) 258-4899
Email: clerkofcourt@missoulacounty.us
Send requests to the Justice Court and Municipal Courts to the respective locations:
Missoula County Justice Court
Missoula County Courthouse
200 West Broadway,
Missoula, MT 59802
Phone: (406) 258-3470
Fax: (406) 258-3935
Missoula Municipal Court
435 Ryman Street,
Missoula, MT 59802
Phone: (406) 552-6180
Fax: (406) 327-2129
Usually, the court requires requesters to pay search, retrieval, or duplication fees with checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards. The District and Justice Courts charge $1 each for the first 10 copy pages (excluding divorce decree or marriage license) and 50cents for each subsequent page. However, searches cost $2 per name (for the first seven years) in the District Court and $10 per name in the Justice Court. On the other hand, Missoula Municipal Court charges a $5 search fee and 25cents from the third page (initial pages are free).
Note: The Missoula Municipal Court provides free search for government agencies, while victims or defendants can get up to 10 pages of a record for free.
What are Missoula County Vital Records?
Missoula County vital records are government-generated documents containing information on life events that happen within the county's jurisdiction. Examples of these records include divorce decrees, birth certificates, adoption records, marriage licenses, military discharge papers, and so on. Missoula County vital records are available at different public bodies at county and state levels, but dissemination protocols may vary.
Where and How to Obtain Missoula County Divorce Records
Missoula County divorce records are available in the form of divorce decrees at the court where the marriage was dissolved. The Missoula County District Court presides over separation and divorce cases in the county. Therefore, persons interested in searching for and obtaining copies of final divorce decrees should make queries in-person or send written request letters containing detailed case or record information to the District Court Clerk at:
Clerk of District Court
200 West Broadway
Missoula, MT 59802
Fax: (406) 258-4899
Email: clerkofcourt@missoulacounty.us
Requesters should include a self-addressed stamped envelope and fees in check, credit/debit card, or money order to mailed requests. The clerk charges $10 per copy of a divorce decree.
Where and How to Get Public Missoula County Marriage Records
The Missoula County District Court maintains records of all marriage licenses issued by the court. However, Missoula County marriage records are private until 30 years after the marriage date and only available to the married couple. Members of the public who wish to obtain copies of marriage licenses after 30 years of marriage may send written request letters containing marriage details to the District Court Clerk at:
Clerk of District Court
200 West Broadway
Missoula, MT 59802
Fax: (406) 258-4899
Email: clerkofcourt@missoulacounty.us
Requesters should include a self-addressed stamped envelope and $5 copy fees in check, credit/debit card, or money order to mailed requests.
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Missoula County
Missoula County marriage certificates are confidential for 30 years from the marriage date and only available to the married couple. The couple may obtain copies of licenses from the Missoula County District Court by sending written request letters containing marriage details, $5 copy fees, a clear copy of driver's license, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the District Court Clerk at:
Clerk of District Court
200 West Broadway
Missoula, MT 59802
Fax: (406) 258-4899
Email: clerkofcourt@missoulacounty.us
Where and How to Find Missoula County Birth Records
The Missoula County Clerk and Treasurer keeps Missoula County birth certificates at the county level, while the DPHHS Office of Vital Records manages statewide birth records. However, access to certified copies is restricted to authorized persons, such as the registrant (at least 14 years of age), parents, legal guardians, and authorized representatives. On the other hand, informational copies of birth records of births that happened over 30 ago are publicly available.
Individuals can get copies from the County Clerk and Treasurer by filling the online request form with the required information or mailing completed application forms and requirements to:
Missoula County Clerk and Recorder
200 West Broadway,
Missoula, MT 59802
Phone: (406) 258-4752
Fax: (406) 258-4811
Email: recording@missoulacounty.us
The clerk charges $8 for certified copies of Missoula County birth records but 50cents for informational copies. Pay fees with credit cards, money orders, or checks made payable to Clerk and Recorder.
For copies of birth certificates at the state level, requesters should mail filled application forms and requirements to:
Montana Vital Records
111 North Sanders
Room 6
P.O. Box 4210
Helena, MT 59604-4210
Phone: (406) 444-2685
The department charges $12 for certified copies and $10 for informational copies.
Where and How to Find Missoula County Death Records
Record seekers may obtain Missoula County death certificates from the Missoula County Clerk and Treasurer or the DPHHS Office of Vital Records. Individuals can get copies from the County Clerk and Treasurer by filling the online request form with the required information or mailing completed application forms and requirements to:
Missoula County Clerk and Recorder
200 West Broadway,
Missoula, MT 59802
Phone: (406) 258-4752
Fax: (406) 258-4811
Email: recording@missoulacounty.us
The clerk charges $7 for certified copies of Missoula County death records. Pay fees with credit cards, money orders, or check made payable to Clerk and Recorder. For copies of death certificates at the state level, requesters should mail filled application forms and requirements to:
Montana Vital Records
111 North Sanders
Room 6
P.O. Box 4210
Helena, MT 59604-4210
Phone: (406) 444-2685
The department charges $16 for certified copies and $14 for informational copies.
