Criminal records of Lewis and Clark County, Montana, are available through several channels. LewisandClarkCourt.us allows searching for publicly accessible information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be found through the state's official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the office of the Clerk of District Court. Online portals, personal visits, and written requests all work for obtaining the necessary data.
How to Search Criminal Records in Lewis and Clark
Start your search by determining what specific information you are looking for — a court case, criminal history, or inmate status. Each type requires a separate resource.
Online Search
- LewisandClarkCourt.us — enter a name or case number to view public data on county criminal cases.
- Montana Public Access Portal — the Montana Judicial Branch portal provides access to district and limited jurisdiction court records. Here you will find cases from the First Judicial District Court, which includes Lewis and Clark County.
- Criminal History Check — the Montana Department of Justice (Division of Criminal Investigation) conducts background checks for law enforcement, employers, and private individuals.
- Offender Search — the Montana Department of Corrections database allows checking if a person is under supervision or in a state correctional facility.
Personal Visit
Visit the Clerk of District Court office in the Lewis and Clark County Courthouse. There are public terminals for viewing court cases. The clerk can help find a specific case if you know the defendant's name or case number.
Written Request
Send a request by mail to the Clerk of District Court, including the person's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number. To obtain a statewide criminal history, contact the Montana Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation, with a completed form and fee payment.
To start your search, you will need:
- The person's full name
- Date of birth (preferably)
- Case number (if available)
Search Lewis and Clark Criminal Cases by Case Number
Case numbers in Montana have a standard format that helps quickly identify the type of case and the year it was filed. The typical structure looks like this:
- County or Court Prefix — a letter designation indicating the specific court (e.g., DC for District Court, JC for Justice Court).
- Year — two or four digits of the year the case was filed.
- Case Type Code — letters indicating the category: CR (criminal), CT (criminal traffic), IN (infraction), etc.
- Sequential Number — a unique numeric identifier within the year and type.
For example, a number like DC-23-CR-00045 indicates a 2023 district court criminal case with sequential number 45. If you only have part of the number, try searching by name through the state portal — the system may suggest the full identifier.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Lewis and Clark
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), e.g., §45-5-102 (deliberate homicide) |
| Severity | Felony, Misdemeanor, Infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change or reduce charges during proceedings — the updated record reflects this |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is awaiting review
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, a hearing is scheduled
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision
- Closed — all obligations have been fulfilled, the case is closed
Hearings
A criminal case in district court goes through several stages:
- Arraignment — initial presentation of charges, the defendant pleads guilty or not guilty
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed (felony only)
- Pre-Trial Conference — parties discuss procedural issues and possible agreements
- Sentencing — issuance of a sentence after a guilty plea or conviction
- Review Hearing — checking compliance with the terms of the sentence
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant is found guilty |
| Not Guilty | The defendant is acquitted |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without a verdict |
| Withheld Judgment | The court postpones the sentence; upon successful completion of conditions, the charge may be dismissed |
| Acquitted | Full acquittal after trial |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Lewis and Clark
Certified copies of criminal cases are issued by the Clerk of District Court of Lewis and Clark County. These are official documents with the court's seal, accepted by other institutions and employers.
How to Submit a Request
- In Person — visit the court office with valid identification (driver's license or passport). The clerk will locate the case and prepare a certified copy.
- By Mail — send a written request including the defendant's full name, case number, document type, a copy of your ID, and payment. Address it to the Clerk of District Court.
- Statewide Criminal History — to obtain a complete criminal history, submit a request to the Montana Department of Justice. A completed request form and fingerprints (for some types of checks) are required.
To search for recorded county documents (not court cases), you can use the Lewis & Clark County online document search system at 316 N Park Ave, Room #113, Helena, MT 59623 (phone 406-447-8337).
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Lewis and Clark
Fees for copies and document certification are set according to the Montana Code Annotated. Below are approximate rates.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard copy of a court document | $0.50 per page |
| Document certification fee | $2.00 per document |
| Criminal history check through DOJ (name-based) | Depends on the type of request; check the DOJ website for details |
| Fingerprint-based check | Includes FBI and state fees; amount specified in the request form |
Processing Time
- In Person — certified copies are usually ready the same day or the next business day.
- By Mail — processing may take 5 to 10 business days, depending on the volume of the request.
- Criminal History through DOJ — name-based checks are processed faster; fingerprint requests may take several weeks.
Payment is accepted by check or money order payable to the Clerk of District Court. Confirm current rates directly with the court office before submitting a request — fees may change.