Warrant records in Phillips County, Montana are classified as public records under Montana state law. Pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1003, government documents and records are presumed to be open to public inspection unless specifically protected by statute or constitutional provision. The Montana Public Records Act establishes the framework for public access to these documents, including warrant information maintained by county authorities.
The Phillips County Sheriff's Office and the Phillips County District Court maintain these records as part of their official duties. Members of the public may access warrant information through established procedures that balance transparency with privacy and security considerations. This access supports the public's right to information while maintaining the integrity of ongoing investigations.
It should be noted that certain warrant information may be temporarily sealed by court order, particularly in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile matters, or situations where public disclosure could compromise public safety. Such restrictions are governed by Montana Code Annotated § 46-5-110 regarding search warrants and § 46-6-201 for arrest warrants.
Warrant records maintained by Phillips County authorities typically contain specific information as required by Montana law. These documents generally include:
• Full legal name of the subject and any known aliases • Date of birth and physical description when available • Specific charges or allegations prompting the warrant • Case number and issuing court information • Date of issuance and, if applicable, expiration date • Name of the issuing judge or magistrate • Bond amount, if specified • Warrant status (active, served, recalled, or quashed) • Relevant statutory citations for alleged violations
The level of detail may vary depending on the type of warrant issued. Arrest warrants typically contain more comprehensive information than bench warrants issued for failure to appear. Search warrants may include detailed descriptions of locations and items subject to search but may remain sealed until execution.
Phillips County residents and interested parties may verify warrant status through several no-cost methods established by county authorities. The following options are available:
The Phillips County Sheriff's Office maintains public terminals for warrant searches during regular business hours. Individuals may visit the office located at:
Phillips County Sheriff's Office
314 S 2nd Avenue East
Malta, MT 59538
(406) 654-2350
Phillips County Sheriff's Office
The Phillips County Clerk of Court also provides access to warrant information through public terminals at:
Phillips County Clerk of Court
314 S 2nd Avenue West
Malta, MT 59538
(406) 654-2427
Telephone inquiries regarding warrant status may be directed to the Sheriff's Office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Callers should be prepared to provide identifying information including full legal name and date of birth.
Pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1006, agencies may charge reasonable fees for document reproduction but not for the inspection of public records.
The Phillips County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for executing warrants within county jurisdiction. Sheriff warrants in Phillips County fall into several categories as defined by Montana statutes:
• Arrest warrants issued pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 46-6-201, authorizing the apprehension of individuals charged with criminal offenses • Bench warrants issued under § 46-6-211 for failure to appear at court proceedings • Search warrants authorized by § 46-5-221 permitting the examination of specified locations or property • Civil warrants related to court orders in non-criminal matters
The Sheriff's Office maintains a dedicated warrants division responsible for processing, tracking, and executing these legal documents. Deputies are assigned to locate and apprehend individuals with active warrants according to departmental protocols and prioritization guidelines.
The execution of warrants follows strict procedural requirements established by Montana law and federal constitutional standards. Deputies must identify themselves, state their purpose, and present the warrant when taking a subject into custody or conducting authorized searches.
Individuals seeking to determine their warrant status in Phillips County in 2025 have several verification methods available. The Montana Judicial Branch continues to enhance public access to court records through technological improvements while maintaining compliance with privacy regulations.
To verify warrant status, interested parties may:
• Conduct an in-person inquiry at the Phillips County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours • Submit a written request for warrant information to the Clerk of Court, including proper identification • Contact the Phillips County Justice Court at (406) 654-2429 for information regarding warrants issued by that court • Consult with a licensed Montana attorney who can access court records on behalf of clients • Utilize the Montana Courts Electronic Portal if expanded to include Phillips County warrant information
Individuals with reason to believe a warrant may exist should consider resolving the matter promptly. Montana law provides mechanisms for addressing outstanding warrants through proper legal channels, including surrender arrangements coordinated through legal counsel.
When making inquiries, individuals should be prepared to provide full legal name, date of birth, and other identifying information to ensure accurate record matching. Photo identification may be required for in-person inquiries to protect against unauthorized access to personal information.
Phillips County maintains systems for tracking outstanding warrants within its jurisdiction. Members of the public seeking information about outstanding warrants may utilize the following procedures:
The most direct method involves visiting the Phillips County Sheriff's Office in person during regular business hours. The Records Division can conduct searches of the warrant database upon proper request. Visitors should bring government-issued photo identification and be prepared to complete a formal records request form.
Written requests may be submitted to:
Phillips County Sheriff's Office
Records Division
314 S 2nd Avenue East
Malta, MT 59538
Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and any other identifying information that may assist in an accurate search. Pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1006, a reasonable fee may be assessed for document reproduction.
Attorneys and legal representatives may file formal requests for warrant information on behalf of clients. Such requests should be submitted on official letterhead and include proper authorization from the represented party.
For warrants issued by the Phillips County Justice Court or District Court, inquiries may also be directed to:
Phillips County Justice Court
314 S 2nd Avenue West
Malta, MT 59538
(406) 654-2429
Phillips County District Court
314 S 2nd Avenue West
Malta, MT 59538
(406) 654-2427
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