Warrant records in Silver Bow County, Montana are classified as public records pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1003, which establishes the public's right to access government documents. The Montana Public Records Act mandates that most judicial records, including warrants, remain accessible to ensure transparency in governmental operations and judicial proceedings.
Members of the public may access warrant information through designated channels established by the Silver Bow County court system and law enforcement agencies. This accessibility serves multiple public interests, including:
The Silver Bow Justice Courts maintain records of warrants issued within their jurisdiction, though certain sensitive information may be redacted in accordance with Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1017, which provides for limited confidentiality in specific circumstances.
Warrant records maintained by Silver Bow County typically contain comprehensive information regarding the legal authorization for law enforcement action. Standard warrant documentation includes:
The Butte-Silver Bow Clerk & Recorder's Office, located at 155 W. Granite Street, Butte, MT 59701, maintains certain public records that may reference warrant information in conjunction with other court proceedings.
Residents and interested parties may verify warrant status in Silver Bow County through several no-cost methods established by local authorities:
In-person inquiries at the Silver Bow County Courthouse, located at 155 W. Granite Street, Butte, MT 59701, during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
Direct contact with the Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement Department at 225 N. Alaska Street, Butte, MT 59701, or by phone at (406) 497-1120
Utilization of public access terminals located in the courthouse lobby, which provide limited search capabilities for court records
Consultation of the Butte-Silver Bow's Most Wanted list, which is periodically updated with information about individuals with outstanding warrants
Pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1006, government agencies may not charge fees for the inspection of public records, though nominal fees may apply for document reproduction or certified copies.
The Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement Department is the primary agency responsible for executing warrants within county jurisdiction. Sheriff warrants in Silver Bow County fall into several categories, each with distinct legal implications:
Sheriff Ed Lester oversees warrant execution through the department located at 225 N. Alaska Street, Butte, MT 59701. The department maintains coordination with the Silver Bow Detention Center, which processes individuals apprehended on active warrants.
Montana Code Annotated § 46-6-210 governs the execution of arrest warrants, specifying that officers must announce their authority and purpose before entering premises to execute a warrant, except in exigent circumstances.
Individuals seeking to determine their warrant status in Silver Bow County in 2025 have multiple verification methods available through official channels. The Montana Judicial Branch continues to enhance public access to court records through digital platforms and in-person services.
To ascertain warrant status, interested parties may:
Access the Montana Public Access Portal, which provides searchable databases of court records, including warrant information
Visit the Silver Bow City Court at 155 W. Granite Street, Room 203, Butte, MT 59701, or call (406) 497-6320 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
Submit a formal records request to the Clerk of Court, specifying the information sought in accordance with Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1009
Consult with legal counsel who can conduct professional searches of court records on behalf of clients
The Montana Supreme Court Docket Search system may also contain information about warrants that have resulted in cases appealed to higher courts.
Verification of outstanding warrants in Silver Bow County requires accessing official records maintained by judicial and law enforcement authorities. Montana Code Annotated § 44-5-301 establishes the public's right to access certain criminal justice information, including outstanding warrants.
Authorized methods for checking outstanding warrant status include:
Direct inquiry at the Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement Department Records Division at 225 N. Alaska Street, Butte, MT 59701
Submission of a formal records request to the Silver Bow Justice Courts at 155 W. Granite Street, Butte, MT 59701
Utilization of the Montana Warrant Search resources, which compile information from multiple jurisdictions
Consultation of public notices published by the Sheriff's Office regarding individuals with active warrants
Individuals with concerns about potential warrants should be aware that Montana Code Annotated § 46-6-411 provides for the expiration of certain warrants after specified time periods, depending on the nature of the alleged offense.