Warrants are public records in Glasgow, Montana, 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 all government records, including judicial documents such as warrants, shall be available for public inspection to promote transparency in governmental operations.
The Valley County District Court maintains warrant records as part of its official documentation. These records are subject to public disclosure unless specifically exempted by statute or court order. Exemptions typically apply to records that might compromise ongoing investigations, juvenile matters, or cases where public disclosure could endanger individuals involved.
Montana law recognizes three primary types of warrants that become part of the public record:
Members of the public seeking warrant information may access these records through established procedures at the Valley County Courthouse or through designated online portals maintained by state judicial authorities.
The Montana Judicial Branch provides electronic access to certain warrant information through its official channels. Individuals seeking warrant information in Glasgow may utilize the following resources:
Pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1006, electronic records shall be made available in the same manner as physical records, though certain technological limitations may apply. The Valley County District Court maintains public access terminals at:
Valley County District Court
501 Court Square #6
Glasgow, MT 59230
(406) 228-6271
Montana Judicial Branch
Operating hours for public record searches are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding state holidays. Requestors should note that while basic warrant information may be available online, obtaining complete documentation often requires in-person requests.
Individuals seeking to determine if a warrant exists in their name in Glasgow may employ several official methods of inquiry. The Valley County Sheriff's Office maintains current warrant information and provides verification services to the public.
To ascertain warrant status, individuals may:
Montana Code Annotated § 46-6-214 requires that warrant information be maintained in the state's criminal justice information systems. Law enforcement agencies are required to enter warrant information into these databases within 24 hours of issuance.
Individuals should be prepared to provide proper identification when making inquiries. Required identification typically includes government-issued photo ID and may require additional verification of identity to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The verification of outstanding warrants in Glasgow requires adherence to established protocols. Pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 44-5-301, criminal justice information may be disseminated to authorized agencies and, in certain circumstances, to the public.
Authorized methods for checking outstanding warrants include:
The Montana Department of Justice maintains the Criminal History Record Information system, which contains warrant information from jurisdictions throughout the state, including Glasgow. Access to this system is restricted to authorized personnel, though summary information may be provided to individuals upon proper request and identification.
Requestors should note that a processing fee may apply to warrant searches, as authorized by Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1006. Current fee schedules are available at the Valley County Clerk of Court's office.
Warrant records maintained by Glasgow judicial authorities contain specific information as required by Montana Code Annotated § 46-6-214. These records typically include the following components:
The warrant document bears the official seal of the issuing court and the signature of the judicial officer who authorized it. Pursuant to Montana Rules of Criminal Procedure, warrants must specify the grounds for issuance and provide sufficient particularity to identify the subject.
Law enforcement agencies maintain supplemental information related to warrant execution efforts, which may not be included in public records due to investigative exemptions under Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1003(1)(a).
The Glasgow Police Department maintains records of executed search warrants within its jurisdiction. Members of the public seeking information regarding search warrants may submit requests to:
Glasgow Police Department
319 3rd Street South
Glasgow, MT 59230
(406) 228-8050
Police Department | cityofglasgowmt
Search warrant records are subject to specific disclosure limitations pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 46-5-307, which protects certain investigative information. Records of search warrants become public after execution and return to the issuing court, unless sealed by judicial order.
The Valley County Attorney's Office reviews requests for search warrant information to ensure compliance with state law regarding disclosure. Certain elements of search warrant records may be redacted to protect:
Requests for search warrant records must be submitted in writing and include the requestor's identification information. The Glasgow Police Department processes such requests within 10 business days as required by Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1006(1).
The judicial system in Glasgow, Montana issues several categories of warrants pursuant to Montana Code Annotated Title 46. Each warrant type serves a specific legal purpose and follows distinct procedural requirements.
Arrest warrants are issued by judges or magistrates upon a showing of probable cause that an individual has committed a criminal offense. These warrants authorize law enforcement officers to take the named individual into custody. In Glasgow, arrest warrants remain active until executed or recalled by the issuing court.
Bench warrants are judicial orders issued when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court proceeding. Pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 46-6-212, these warrants authorize immediate arrest and may result in additional charges for failure to appear.
Search warrants permit law enforcement to search specified locations for evidence of criminal activity. Montana Code Annotated § 46-5-221 requires that search warrants be supported by affidavits establishing probable cause and particularly describing the place to be searched and items to be seized.
Civil warrants may be issued in non-criminal matters, including:
The Valley County Justice Court and Glasgow City Court maintain records of all warrants issued within their respective jurisdictions. These courts operate at:
Valley County Justice Court
501 Court Square #2
Glasgow, MT 59230
(406) 228-6271
Glasgow City Court
319 3rd Street South
Glasgow, MT 59230
(406) 228-2476
Warrant execution procedures follow guidelines established in Montana Code Annotated § 46-6-210 through § 46-6-214, which govern service times, entry procedures, and post-arrest processing requirements.