Lincoln County Public Records / Lincoln County Arrest Records

Lincoln County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Lincoln County in 2026

LincolnWYRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Lincoln County, Wyoming. Members of the public may find booking details, custody status, charges filed, and related court information through official county and state resources. Record categories available through official channels include arrest logs, inmate rosters, court case filings, and criminal history summaries. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the requesting agency and the disposition of the underlying case.

Records may be searched through the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, the County Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and several online tools maintained by county and state agencies.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office maintains an actively updated inmate roster that members of the public may access online at no charge. The roster displays each detainee's name, charges, current disposition, total bail amount, and jail identification number. A separate real-time feed is also available through the Lincoln County Sheriff's inmate roster portal, which is updated daily and includes booking photographs where available. The roster reflects individuals currently held in the Lincoln County Detention Center and is refreshed on a regular basis to reflect releases, transfers, and new bookings.

2. Local Police Departments

The Kemmerer Police Department and the Afton Police Department serve incorporated municipalities within Lincoln County. Both departments may release arrest information through press releases and public records requests submitted directly to each agency. Members of the public seeking arrest logs from municipal police departments should contact each department individually, as consolidated online arrest logs are not currently maintained at the city level.

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Lincoln County Clerk's office provides online access to scanned copies of original public records through the Lincoln County Public Records web service. Searching by an arrestee's name may return associated criminal case filings, including charging documents, court dates, and case dispositions. Court records linked to arrests are accessible through this portal for cases filed in Lincoln County District Court and Circuit Court.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) maintains statewide criminal history records through its Criminal Records Unit. As noted by the agency, "Wyoming's criminal history records are created with a submission of an arrest fingerprint card (FPC)." The state repository includes arrests from all Wyoming jurisdictions and may be queried for background check purposes. Fees apply for name-based and fingerprint-based criminal history searches; current fee schedules are published on the DCI website.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Lincoln County Sheriff's Office
925 Sage Avenue, Kemmerer, WY 83101
Phone: (307) 877-4242
Lincoln County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public requesting records in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full legal name of the subject, the approximate date of arrest, and any known booking number. Fees for paper copies are assessed at the time of the request. Records requests submitted to the Sheriff's Office are subject to review and approval by the County Attorney's Office prior to release, as outlined on the Records Requests page.

Clerk of Court:

Lincoln County Circuit Court Clerk
925 Sage Avenue, Kemmerer, WY 83101
Phone: (307) 877-9056
Lincoln County Clerk

Criminal case files may be inspected in person during regular business hours. Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with Wyoming statutory fee schedules.

By Mail:

Written requests directed to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office should include the following:

Full legal name of the subject (first and last name at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number, if known
Requestor's full name and return mailing address
Payment for applicable copy fees

Processing time for mailed requests varies and may be extended when County Attorney review is required.

By Phone:

Lincoln County Sheriff's Office: (307) 877-4242
Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Detailed record information is not released by telephone; callers may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery procedures. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available to the general public. Records obtained through legal proceedings are governed by applicable court rules and protective orders.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number, if known
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, municipal police, or state agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Lincoln County

Arrest records in Lincoln County are public records under Wyoming law. Access to public records is governed by Wyoming Statute § 16-4-204, which establishes the right of any person to inspect and copy public records maintained by government agencies. As stated by the Wyoming State Archives, "Public records requests may be made by anyone." The public interest in government transparency, community safety, journalistic inquiry, legal proceedings, and background screening supports broad access to arrest information.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at the time of arrest
Booking number
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information, including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Wyoming law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access upon court order
Records sealed by court order are not available to the general public
Information related to active investigations may be withheld
Undercover officer identities and confidential informant information are exempt
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain case types
Witness protection participants are not identified in public records

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Wyoming Public Records Act, codified at Wyoming Statutes §§ 16-4-201 through 16-4-205, establishes the legal framework for public access to government records, including arrest records. The Act balances the public's right to government transparency against individual privacy interests. First Amendment protections support press access to arrest information, while due process considerations inform the distinction between an arrest and a conviction.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

Members of the general public
Media organizations and journalists
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing and regulatory agencies
Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

Employers using arrest records for hiring decisions must comply with the FCRA. An arrest that did not result in a conviction may not be used as the sole basis for adverse employment action in certain jurisdictions. Wyoming does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law, but federal contractors are subject to federal fair chance hiring requirements. Housing providers must also consider applicable fair housing standards when using arrest records in tenant screening.

What's in Lincoln County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and race or ethnicity
Height, weight, eye color, and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, municipal police, or state agency)
Booking date and time
Booking or arrest number
Warrant information, if applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Wyoming statute numbers alleged to have been violated
Charge classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of booking facility
Booking photograph
Fingerprints (collected but not included in public-facing records)
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type: cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond
Release date and time, if applicable

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Judge assignment, if available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest or police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during investigation
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted)
Financial account information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives not always available to the public
Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources, including court and law enforcement databases

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Lincoln County?

Members of the public may inspect publicly available arrest records at no charge through online portals maintained by the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office and the County Clerk. Fees apply when copies are requested. Under Wyoming law, agencies may charge reasonable fees for the actual cost of reproducing records.

Record Type	Access Method	Estimated Fee
Online inmate roster	Web portal	Free
Online public records portal	County Clerk website	Free to view
Paper copies (Sheriff's Office)	In-person or mail	Per-page fee (contact office)
Certified court copies	Clerk of Court	Per-page fee (contact office)
State criminal history (name-based)	Wyoming DCI	Fee per request (see DCI website)
State criminal history (fingerprint)	Wyoming DCI	Fee per request (see DCI website)

Accepted payment methods vary by office and may include cash, check, or money order. Electronic payment options should be confirmed directly with the relevant agency. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where the public interest in disclosure is demonstrated. Inspection of records without copying is not subject to a fee under Wyoming's public records framework.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Lincoln County

Wyoming law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the destruction or sealing of the record, and sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement use. The distinction is significant: an expunged record is treated as though it does not exist for most purposes, while a sealed record remains accessible to courts and law enforcement agencies.

Under Wyoming law, individuals who were arrested but not convicted may petition the court for expungement of the arrest record. Eligibility conditions include the dismissal of charges, acquittal at trial, or a finding of no probable cause. Individuals who completed a diversion program or whose charges were not filed by the prosecutor may also qualify. Certain serious offenses are not eligible for expungement regardless of disposition.

The petition for expungement is filed in the district court of the county where the arrest occurred. The petitioner must provide notice to the prosecuting attorney, who has the opportunity to object. If the court grants the petition, the order directs all relevant agencies—including the Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Court, and the Wyoming DCI—to seal or destroy the designated records.

The Wyoming Department of Corrections addresses public records and media requests through its public records and media request process, which governs access to records held by state correctional facilities. Individuals seeking expungement of records held at the state level should include the DCI in any court-ordered expungement to ensure the state criminal history repository is updated.

Lincoln County District Court
925 Sage Avenue, Kemmerer, WY 83101
Phone: (307) 877-5974
Lincoln County District Court

Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation – Criminal Records Unit
316 W. 22nd Street, Cheyenne, WY 82002
Phone: (307) 777-7523
Criminal Records Unit

What Happens After Arrest in Lincoln County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Lincoln County Detention Center in Kemmerer. The Lincoln County Detention Division is responsible for the care and custody of all inmates, maintaining safety and security within the facility, and transporting inmates to and from court appearances. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the detention facility, the arrested individual undergoes the booking process, which includes:

Recording of personal identifying information
Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously given
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Collection of fingerprints
Criminal history and outstanding warrant check
Inventory and storage of personal property
Medical and brief mental health screening
Housing classification assignment

3. First Appearance / Initial Hearing

Wyoming law requires that an arrested individual be brought before a judicial officer without unnecessary delay, and in practice this occurs within 48 to 72 hours of arrest. At the initial appearance, the court formally notifies the defendant of the charges, determines eligibility for appointed counsel, and sets bond or bail conditions.

Bond/Bail Process:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash and is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees. The amount is set by the presiding judge or magistrate.

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set by state regulation.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The defendant is released on a written promise to appear, without monetary payment, based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, and the nature of the charges.

No Bond: The court may order the defendant held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, the defendant is processed for release, which may take one to eight hours depending on facility volume. The defendant receives written conditions of release and a court date. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant. If bond is not posted, the defendant remains in custody and is assigned to general population pending further court proceedings.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Lincoln County Public Defender
925 Sage Avenue, Kemmerer, WY 83101
Phone: (307) 877-3425

Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. The defendant completes an application at the initial appearance, and the court determines eligibility.

Private Attorney:

Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Wyoming State Bar provides attorney referral services for individuals seeking private representation.

Charging Decision:

The Lincoln County Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and the court sets a schedule for pretrial proceedings.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, and pretrial conferences. The prosecution and defense exchange evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and physical evidence. Pretrial motions may address the admissibility of evidence or seek dismissal of charges. Cases may be resolved through dismissal, diversion programs, plea agreements, or trial.

Sentencing (if convicted):

Upon conviction, the court imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, or a combination of these. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention.

Important Contacts:

Lincoln County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
925 Sage Avenue, Kemmerer, WY 83101
Phone: (307) 877-4242
Lincoln County Sheriff's Office

Lincoln County Clerk of Court
925 Sage Avenue, Kemmerer, WY 83101
Phone: (307) 877-9056
Lincoln County Public Records

Lincoln County Attorney's Office
925 Sage Avenue, Kemmerer, WY 83101
Phone: (307) 877-2790

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than retained or appointed counsel
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
Attend all scheduled court appearances without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Lincoln County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Lincoln County is governed by Wyoming state law and applicable local records retention schedules. The Wyoming Public Records Act establishes the framework under which public agencies manage, retain, and dispose of government records. Retention periods vary based on the type of record, the agency maintaining it, and the disposition of the underlying case.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Felony Convictions:

Maintained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, Wyoming DCI, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Appear on background checks indefinitely

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently or for an extended period by local law enforcement and the state repository
Court records are maintained in accordance with Wyoming court records retention schedules

Dismissed Charges:

May remain in local law enforcement databases unless expunged by court order
Court records are retained according to applicable schedules
State repository retains the arrest record unless updated by court order

Acquittals:

Local law enforcement and court records are retained according to standard schedules
May be eligible for expungement upon petition

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained for a period determined by local policy
May be eligible for expungement in certain circumstances

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Booking records and arrest reports are retained in accordance with Wyoming records retention schedules
Investigative files are retained based on case type and disposition

Clerk of Court:

Felony case files: Permanent retention
Misdemeanor case files: Retained per Wyoming court records schedules
Electronic records: Permanent in most instances

Wyoming DCI Criminal Records Unit:

Statewide criminal history records are maintained in the state repository
Records are updated upon receipt of disposition information from courts and law enforcement agencies

FBI Database:

Records submitted to the NCIC and the Interstate Identification Index (III) are retained at the federal level, accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Disposition	Local Retention	State Repository	Background Checks
Conviction	Permanent	Permanent	Indefinite
Dismissal	Per schedule	Retained unless expunged	Not typically reported
Acquittal	Per schedule	Retained unless expunged	Not typically reported
No charges filed	Per schedule	May be purged	Not typically reported
Expungement	Sealed or destroyed	Updated per court order	Removed (third-party sites may vary)

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and third-party websites may retain arrest records independently of law enforcement agencies. These entities are not controlled by county or state government and may not update their records when an expungement order is issued. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records, but enforcement of accuracy obligations requires individual action by the affected person.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Wyoming does not currently impose additional state-level restrictions on the reporting period for criminal history information beyond federal requirements.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may submit a public records request to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Records Division at (307) 877-4242. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.