Cascade County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Cascade County
Arrest records in Cascade 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 when 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.
Arrest records differ from conviction records in several important ways. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a crime through the judicial process. The Montana Criminal Justice Information Act § 44-5-103 classifies criminal justice information into public and confidential categories, with arrest records generally falling under public criminal justice information.
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Cascade County may contact:
Cascade County Sheriff's Office
3800 Ulm North Frontage Road
Great Falls, MT 59404
(406) 454-6820
Cascade County Sheriff's Office
What's in Cascade County Arrest Records
Cascade County arrest records contain standardized information documenting an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars)
- Address of residence
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Reason for arrest
- Use of force information (if applicable)
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Charge classification (misdemeanor or felony)
- Charge severity
- Statute or ordinance violated
- Charge description
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Type of warrant
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking number
- Processing officer
- Property inventory
- Medical screening information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type
- Bond status
- Release conditions
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility of incarceration
- Expected release date (if applicable)
- Custody level
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation/parole status
- Known associates
- Vehicle information
- Emergency contact information
The specific content of arrest records may vary based on the arresting agency's protocols and the circumstances of the arrest. Certain information may be redacted or restricted from public access in accordance with Montana Code Annotated § 44-5-303, particularly when disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation, violate privacy rights, or endanger individuals.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Cascade County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Cascade County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining arrest records:
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In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Cascade County Sheriff's Office to request arrest records in person. Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information about the subject of the search, including full name and date of birth if available.
Cascade County Sheriff's Office
3800 Ulm North Frontage Road
Great Falls, MT 59404
(406) 454-6820
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays) -
Written Requests: Written requests for arrest records may be submitted by mail. Requests should include:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Subject's full name and date of birth (if known)
- Specific information being requested
- Purpose of the request
- Signature and date
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Online Access: The Cascade County inmate roster provides current information about individuals currently detained in the Cascade County Detention Center. This resource is updated regularly and includes basic arrest information.
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Court Records: Arrest information may also be available through court records if charges have been filed. The Montana Judicial Branch maintains court records that may contain arrest information.
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Criminal History Records: For comprehensive criminal history information, including arrests, individuals may request a background check through the Montana Department of Justice. These requests require fingerprints and payment of applicable fees.
Montana Department of Justice, Criminal Records
2225 11th Avenue
P.O. Box 201403
Helena, MT 59620-1403
(406) 444-3625
When requesting arrest records, requestors should be aware that certain information may be redacted to protect privacy rights or ongoing investigations in accordance with Montana law. Processing times vary depending on the complexity of the request and current workload.
How To Find Cascade County Arrest Records Online
Cascade County provides several online resources for accessing arrest records and related information. The following digital platforms are currently available for conducting arrest record searches:
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Cascade County Inmate Roster: The Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster that provides information about individuals currently detained in the Cascade County Detention Center. This resource includes:
- Inmate name
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Scheduled court dates
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Montana Courts Public Access Portal: The Montana Judicial Branch offers online access to court records through their public access portals. Users can search for cases by:
- Defendant name
- Case number
- Filing date
- Court location
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Montana Department of Corrections Offender Search: The Montana Offender Search database allows users to search for information about convicted felons in the state, including those who have been arrested and are under Department of Corrections supervision.
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Montana Department of Justice Criminal History Records: While complete criminal history records are not available online to the general public, certain authorized entities may access this information through secure portals.
When using online resources to search for arrest records, users should note the following:
- Information may not be comprehensive or complete
- Recent arrests may not appear immediately
- Some details may be redacted for privacy or security reasons
- Online records should not be considered official for legal purposes
- Certain sensitive cases may be restricted from public online access
For the most accurate and complete arrest record information, individuals may need to supplement online searches with formal requests through the appropriate agencies as described in the previous section.
How To Search Cascade County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options for accessing Cascade County arrest records without incurring fees. The following methods are currently available for conducting free searches of arrest information:
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Cascade County Inmate Roster: The Sheriff's Office provides free public access to the current inmate population of the Cascade County Detention Center. This online resource is updated regularly and includes:
- Names of currently detained individuals
- Charges
- Booking dates
- Bond information
- Court dates
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Montana Courts Public Access Terminals: The Cascade County Courthouse provides public access terminals where individuals can search court records at no cost. These terminals offer more comprehensive access than the online portal.
Cascade County Courthouse
415 2nd Avenue North
Great Falls, MT 59401
(406) 454-6803
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays) -
Montana Department of Corrections Offender Search: The Montana Offender Search database is available free of charge and provides information about convicted felons under Department of Corrections supervision.
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Public Records Requests: Under the Montana Public Records Act § 2-6-1006, agencies may not charge for the time spent to retrieve and inspect public records, though reasonable fees may be charged for copying or for extensive searches requiring significant staff time.
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Local News Sources: Local media outlets often report on significant arrests and may maintain searchable archives of crime reports that are accessible without charge.
When conducting free searches for arrest records, individuals should be aware of certain limitations:
- Free resources may not contain complete historical arrest information
- Recent arrests may not be immediately available in public databases
- Some information may be redacted or restricted from public view
- Results should be verified through official channels for legal purposes
For more comprehensive searches or certified copies of records, fees may apply. However, the free resources listed above provide a starting point for basic arrest record information in Cascade County.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Cascade County
Under Montana law, arrest records are not automatically deleted or expunged, even if charges are dismissed or the individual is acquitted. However, several legal mechanisms exist for limiting public access to arrest records under specific circumstances. The processes for sealing or expunging arrest records in Cascade County are governed by state statutes and involve distinct legal procedures.
Record Sealing vs. Expungement
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Sealing: When records are sealed, they remain in existence but are removed from public access. Law enforcement and certain government agencies may still access sealed records.
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Expungement: Expungement is the process of completely removing records from government databases as if the arrest never occurred. Montana law provides limited circumstances for true expungement.
Eligibility for Record Sealing or Expungement
Pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 46-18-1101, individuals may be eligible to petition for expungement of arrest records under the following circumstances:
- The person was arrested but no charges were filed
- Charges were dismissed without prejudice
- The person was acquitted at trial
- The person completed a deferred prosecution or deferred sentence
- The person completed certain misdemeanor probation periods successfully
Process for Sealing or Expunging Records
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Petition Filing: The individual must file a petition with the court that had jurisdiction over the case. The petition must include:
- Personal identifying information
- Description of the offense
- Date of arrest or charge
- Law enforcement agency involved
- Court case number (if applicable)
- Disposition of the case
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Notice Requirements: The petitioner must provide notice to the prosecuting agency and any victims as required by law.
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Hearing: The court may schedule a hearing to determine if expungement is appropriate.
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Judicial Determination: The court will consider factors including:
- The nature and severity of the original offense
- The petitioner's criminal history
- The petitioner's rehabilitation
- Any potential risk to public safety
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Order of Expungement: If granted, the court will issue an order directing all relevant agencies to seal or expunge the records.
For juvenile records, a separate process exists under Montana Code Annotated § 41-5-216, which provides broader expungement options for youth offenders.
Individuals seeking to seal or expunge arrest records in Cascade County are advised to consult with a qualified attorney, as the process can be legally complex and outcomes depend on specific case circumstances.
What Happens After Arrest in Cascade County?
Following an arrest in Cascade 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. Booking and Initial Detention
After physical arrest, individuals are transported to the Cascade County Detention Center where they undergo the booking process, which includes:
- Photograph (mugshot) and fingerprinting
- Personal information collection
- Medical screening
- Property inventory
- Initial criminal history check
- Assignment to appropriate housing unit
2. Initial Appearance
Within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), arrestees appear before a judge for an initial appearance where:
- Charges are formally read
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Bail/bond determinations are made
- Public defender eligibility is assessed
- Future court dates are scheduled
3. Bail/Bond Considerations
The court determines conditions of release based on:
- Nature and severity of charges
- Criminal history
- Community ties
- Flight risk assessment
- Public safety considerations
4. Charging Decision
The Cascade County Attorney's Office reviews the case and determines whether to:
- File formal charges
- Modify the initial charges
- Decline prosecution
- Refer for diversion programs
5. Preliminary Hearing/Grand Jury (Felonies)
For felony cases, a preliminary hearing or grand jury proceeding determines if probable cause exists to believe the defendant committed the crime.
6. Arraignment
At arraignment, the defendant:
- Is formally charged
- Enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Has trial rights explained
- Receives discovery materials
7. Pre-Trial Proceedings
This phase includes:
- Discovery exchanges
- Motion hearings
- Plea negotiations
- Status conferences
- Trial preparation
8. Trial or Plea Resolution
Cases are resolved through:
- Plea agreements
- Bench trials (judge only)
- Jury trials
- Dismissals
9. Sentencing (if convicted)
Sentencing options may include:
- Incarceration
- Probation
- Fines and restitution
- Community service
- Treatment programs
- Deferred sentences
10. Post-Conviction
Following conviction, individuals may:
- Appeal the conviction or sentence
- Serve imposed sentences
- Participate in rehabilitation programs
- Eventually seek record sealing or expungement
Throughout this process, individuals maintain constitutional rights including the right to counsel, the right against self-incrimination, and the right to due process. The specific timeline and procedures may vary depending on case complexity, court calendars, and whether the charges are misdemeanors or felonies.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Cascade County?
Arrest records in Cascade County are maintained according to Montana's records retention requirements, which establish minimum timeframes for preserving various categories of criminal justice information. The retention of arrest records is governed primarily by Montana Code Annotated § 44-5-301 and the Montana Local Government Records Retention Schedules.
Standard Retention Periods
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Arrest Reports: Law enforcement agencies typically retain arrest reports permanently or for a minimum of 10 years after the final disposition of the case.
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Booking Information: Booking records, including photographs and fingerprints, are generally maintained for a minimum of 10 years after the date of arrest.
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Criminal History Records: Complete criminal history information is maintained by the Montana Department of Justice for the lifetime of the individual, plus an additional period after death.
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Juvenile Records: Pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 41-5-216, juvenile records have different retention requirements and may be sealed or destroyed when the individual reaches adulthood, depending on the nature of the offense.
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Misdemeanor Arrests: Records of misdemeanor arrests are typically maintained for at least 5 years after case disposition.
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Felony Arrests: Records of felony arrests are generally maintained permanently.
Agency-Specific Retention
Different agencies maintain arrest records for varying periods:
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Cascade County Sheriff's Office: Maintains arrest records according to the Montana Local Government Records Schedule, which generally requires permanent retention of felony arrest records and extended retention of misdemeanor records.
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Montana Department of Justice: Maintains a central repository of criminal history information, including arrest data, for the lifetime of the individual.
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Court Records: The Montana Judicial Branch maintains court records related to arrests according to their records retention schedule, which typically requires permanent retention of felony case files and extended retention of misdemeanor files.
The retention of arrest records serves several important public purposes:
- Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Supports law enforcement investigations
- Provides documentation for background checks
- Ensures accountability in the criminal justice system
- Maintains historical records for statistical and research purposes
It is important to note that even when physical records reach the end of their retention period, digital records and database entries may be maintained for longer periods. Additionally, records that have been published or distributed (such as in news reports or third-party databases) may persist indefinitely, even after official records have been destroyed or sealed.
How to Find Mugshots in Cascade County
Mugshots, the photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest, are considered part of the arrest record in Cascade County. These images serve to document the identity and physical appearance of arrested individuals at the time of booking.
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots typically consist of front-facing and profile (side) photographs of an arrested individual, taken in a standardized format against a plain background. These photographs are taken for identification purposes and become part of the official arrest record.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Cascade County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:
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Cascade County Sheriff's Office: As the agency operating the Cascade County Detention Center, the Sheriff's Office maintains booking photographs as part of their inmate records.
Cascade County Sheriff's Office
3800 Ulm North Frontage Road
Great Falls, MT 59404
(406) 454-6820
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays) -
Montana Department of Justice: The state's central criminal history repository may maintain copies of mugshots as part of comprehensive criminal history records.
Finding Mugshots
Members of the public seeking mugshots in Cascade County have several potential methods for access:
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Inmate Roster: The Cascade County inmate roster provides information about currently detained individuals, though the display of mugshots on this public-facing database may be limited.
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Public Records Requests: Formal requests may be submitted to the Cascade County Sheriff's Office for copies of mugshots. These requests should include:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Requestor's contact information
- Purpose of the request
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Court Records: In some cases, mugshots may be included in court files if submitted as evidence. Court records can be accessed through the Montana Judicial Branch public access terminals.
Can Mugshots Be Found Online
While some jurisdictions publish mugshots online, Cascade County's official policy regarding online publication of mugshots is more restrictive. Currently:
- The official Cascade County inmate roster may not include photographs
- Third-party websites may publish mugshots obtained through various means
- Commercial mugshot websites may maintain databases of booking photographs
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
To obtain official copies of mugshots, individuals should:
- Submit a formal public records request to the Cascade County Sheriff's Office
- Provide specific identifying information about the subject
- Pay any applicable fees for record retrieval and copying
- Specify the intended use of the photographs
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances, including:
- Cases involving juveniles
- Sealed or expunged records
- Ongoing sensitive investigations
- Privacy concerns that outweigh public interest
- Protective orders or other court-mandated restrictions
Montana law balances the public's right to access government records with individual privacy considerations. The release of mugshots is subject to this balancing test, particularly in cases where publication could cause undue harm or prejudice.