Lincoln County Criminal Records
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Lincoln County in 2026
LincolnWYRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to criminal records in Lincoln County, Wyoming. Members of the public seeking arrest histories, court case dispositions, booking records, or inmate status may find relevant data through this resource as well as through official government channels. The information available may include, but is not limited to, the following record categories:
- Arrest and booking records
- Criminal court case filings and dispositions
- Felony and misdemeanor conviction records
- Active inmate rosters and jail records
- Warrant information
- Sex offender registration data
- Civil process and court judgment records
Records may be searched through official county resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online government portals. The following five methods outline the primary avenues available to members of the public.
1. County Court Records: The Lincoln County Clerk of District Court, part of the Third Judicial District, maintains court records and case filings for criminal matters adjudicated in Lincoln County. Members of the public may inspect records in person at the courthouse. Requestors are advised to bring a valid government-issued photo ID and the full name or case number of the subject. Public access terminals are available at the courthouse during business hours.
Lincoln County Clerk of District Court
925 Sage Avenue
Kemmerer, WY 83101
Phone: (307) 877-9056
Clerk of District Court
2. Sheriff's Office: The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest logs, booking records, and current inmate rosters. Members of the public may submit records requests directly to the Sheriff's Office. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office provides public safety and law enforcement services to all unincorporated areas of the county. The current inmate roster is accessible online and reflects active bookings including arrest date, bail amount, and location of arrest.
Lincoln County Sheriff's Office
925 Sage Avenue
Kemmerer, WY 83101
Phone: (307) 877-9260
Sheriff's Office Services
3. Online Court Search: The Wyoming Judicial Branch operates an online case search portal that allows members of the public to search court records statewide, including Lincoln County. Users may search by full name, case number, or date of birth. The portal returns case type, filing date, charges, and disposition information. Note that not all historical records are digitized, and sealed or expunged records do not appear in online results.
4. State Criminal History Repository: Under Wyo. Stat. § 7-19-107, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) within the Office of the Attorney General is designated as the central repository for criminal history records in Wyoming. Formal background check requests require submission of fingerprints, a completed request form, and applicable fees. Processing times and fee schedules are published on the DCI's Criminal Records Unit portal.
Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation
316 W. 22nd Street
Cheyenne, WY 82002
Phone: (307) 777-7181
Criminal Records Unit
5. Written/Mail Requests: Members of the public may submit written requests for public records to the Lincoln County Clerk's office. Pursuant to Wyoming's public records statutes, agencies are required to respond to written requests within a reasonable timeframe. Requests should include the full name of the subject, date of birth, approximate dates of records sought, and the requestor's contact information. Written requests may be mailed to the Lincoln County Courthouse at 925 Sage Avenue, Kemmerer, WY 83101.
What Is Lincoln County Criminal Records
A criminal record is a documented history of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system, encompassing arrests, charges, court proceedings, convictions, and sentencing outcomes. In Wyoming, criminal records are created and maintained by multiple agencies throughout the criminal justice process, from initial law enforcement contact through final court disposition.
The distinction between record types is significant. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody but does not indicate guilt or conviction. A conviction record reflects a formal finding of guilt, either through a guilty plea, no-contest plea, or trial verdict. Felony records involve offenses classified under Wyoming law as more serious crimes carrying potential imprisonment of one year or more, while misdemeanor records reflect lesser offenses. Juvenile records are treated separately under Wyoming law and are typically sealed to protect the privacy of minors.
Active warrants represent current court orders authorizing law enforcement to take an individual into custody, while historical records reflect past criminal justice activity that has been resolved. The agencies responsible for maintaining these records include:
- Lincoln County Sheriff's Office — arrest records, booking records, jail records
- Lincoln County Clerk of District Court — court case files, charges, dispositions, sentencing records
- Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation — statewide criminal history repository
- Local police departments — incident reports, arrest records within municipal jurisdictions
Records are created at the point of arrest, updated through each stage of court proceedings, and finalized upon sentencing or dismissal. A complete criminal record may include charges filed, arraignment information, plea agreements, trial outcomes, sentencing details, fines, restitution orders, probation or parole conditions, and appeals. The Wyoming Judicial Branch provides access to court case information through its statewide online portal.
Are Criminal Records Public In Lincoln County
Criminal records in Lincoln County are subject to public disclosure under Wyoming's public records law. Under Wyo. Stat. § 16-4-201 et seq., all public records are open for inspection by any person unless a specific statutory exemption applies. As stated in Wyoming's Public Records Act, "all public records shall be open for inspection by any person at reasonable times."
Adult conviction records, court proceedings, and filed criminal case documents are accessible to members of the public. The Lincoln County Clerk's public records office maintains documents available for inspection at the Lincoln County Courthouse at 925 Sage Avenue in Kemmerer, Wyoming.
Certain categories of records are restricted from public disclosure. These include:
- Juvenile records, which are sealed under Wyoming law
- Expunged or sealed records pursuant to court order
- Records related to ongoing criminal investigations where disclosure would impede law enforcement
- Victim and witness identifying information in certain cases
- Records subject to federal privacy protections
Pardoned individuals may have certain records restricted from public view depending on the terms of the pardon. Federal criminal records are governed by separate federal statutes and are not subject to Wyoming's public records law. Members of the public seeking guidance on record access may consult the Wyoming Attorney General's office for clarification on applicable exemptions.
How To Find Criminal Records in Lincoln County Online?
Official County Resources: The primary online resources for Lincoln County criminal records include the following:
- Inmate Roster — The Lincoln County inmate roster is updated regularly and reflects current bookings, arrest dates, bail amounts, and arrest locations. No registration is required to access this resource.
- Clerk of District Court — The Lincoln County Clerk of District Court maintains court records accessible through in-person terminals and, for certain records, through the statewide court portal.
- County Clerk Public Records — The Lincoln County public records portal provides access to documents maintained by the County Clerk's office. Documents must be scanned before being made available electronically.
State-Level Resources: The Wyoming Judicial Branch operates a statewide case search system covering all Wyoming district and circuit courts, including Lincoln County. The Wyoming DCI's Criminal Records Unit provides access to the state criminal history repository for authorized background check requests.
Search Tips:
- Search using the subject's full legal name as well as known aliases
- Case number searches return the most precise results
- Cross-reference multiple databases, as no single portal contains all records
- Be aware that records older than approximately 15–20 years may not be fully digitized
- Sealed and expunged records will not appear in any public online search
Limitations: Online databases may reflect a data lag of 24 to 72 hours following a booking or court action. Older records that predate electronic filing systems may require an in-person request. Online searches do not constitute an official background check and may not be used as a substitute for certified records in employment, licensing, or legal proceedings.
Can You Search Lincoln County Criminal Records for Free?
Free Options:
1. In-Person Inspection: Wyoming law mandates that public records be available for inspection at no charge. Under Wyo. Stat. § 16-4-202, members of the public have the right to inspect public records during regular business hours without payment of a fee. Copying fees may apply for physical reproductions. In-person inspection is available at:
- Lincoln County Clerk of District Court, 925 Sage Avenue, Kemmerer, WY 83101
- Lincoln County Clerk's Office, 925 Sage Avenue, Kemmerer, WY 83101
2. Free Online Databases: The following resources are available at no cost:
| Resource | What's Free | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Court Case Search | Case filings, dispositions, charges | Wyoming Judicial Branch |
| Lincoln County Inmate Roster | Current bookings, arrest info | Inmate Roster |
| Lincoln County Public Records | Scanned county documents | Public Records |
3. Sheriff's Logs: Arrest and booking reports maintained by the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office are available for public inspection. The current inmate roster is accessible online without charge.
What Costs Money:
- Certified copies of court records (fees set by court schedule)
- Official state criminal history background checks through Wyoming DCI
- Staff-assisted record searches requiring extended research time
- Electronic copies provided via email or digital media
- Expedited processing requests
State Fee Law: Wyoming's public records statutes permit agencies to charge reasonable fees for the actual cost of reproduction. Fee waivers may be available in certain circumstances as determined by the custodial agency.
What's Included in a Lincoln County Criminal Record?
Identifying Information: A criminal record maintained in Lincoln County may include the subject's full legal name and known aliases, date of birth, physical description, photograph (mugshot), last known address, State Identification Number (SID), and FBI number where applicable.
Arrest Information: Arrest records document the date and time of arrest, the arresting agency, booking number, charges filed at the time of arrest, bail or bond amount, and the jail facility where the individual was held. Current booking data is reflected in the Lincoln County inmate roster.
Court Case Information: Court records maintained by the Clerk of District Court include the case number, court and jurisdiction, filing date, charges and applicable statutes (including felony or misdemeanor classification), plea entered, and attorney of record.
Disposition: Disposition records reflect the verdict or outcome of the case, conviction date where applicable, sentencing details including type and length of sentence, fines, restitution orders, conditions of probation or parole, and any appeals filed or decided.
Additional Record Elements: A complete criminal record may also include active or recalled warrants, protective orders, sex offender registration status, DUI or DWI adjudications, traffic violations processed through the criminal court system, and pending charges not yet resolved.
NOT Included in Public Criminal Records:
- Juvenile records (sealed under Wyoming law)
- Expunged or sealed records pursuant to court order
- Criminal records from other states or federal jurisdictions
- Records from completed diversion programs where charges were dismissed
- Federal criminal records maintained by the FBI
Accuracy Note: Members of the public who identify errors in their own criminal records may seek correction through the originating agency or through the Wyoming DCI's Criminal Records Unit. Accurate and complete records are essential for employment background checks, professional licensing, and legal proceedings.
How Long Does Lincoln County Keep Criminal Records?
Legal Requirements: Wyoming law and court administrative rules govern the retention of criminal records by county agencies. The Wyoming Supreme Court establishes records retention schedules for court records, and state statute governs retention by law enforcement agencies.
Retention by Record Type:
| Record Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Felony convictions | Permanent |
| Misdemeanor convictions | Permanent |
| Arrest records (no conviction) | Varies by agency; subject to expungement |
| Dismissed or acquitted cases | Retained permanently (disposition noted) |
| Juvenile records | Sealed at age 18 or 21; subject to destruction per court order |
| Pending cases | Retained until final resolution |
Agency Differences:
- County courts retain criminal case files permanently pursuant to Wyoming Supreme Court retention rules
- Lincoln County Sheriff's Office retains jail and arrest records according to county retention schedules
- Wyoming DCI retains conviction records permanently in the state criminal history repository; the Criminal Records Unit maintains the authoritative statewide database
Physical vs. Electronic Records: Electronic records are retained for longer periods than paper records. Physical documents may be destroyed after scanning and digital preservation, but the electronic record remains accessible.
Destruction vs. Sealing vs. Expungement: Destruction permanently eliminates a record. Sealing restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement use. Expungement, available under Wyoming law for certain offenses and circumstances, removes the record from public view and, in some cases, from law enforcement databases. Under Wyo. Stat. § 7-13-1501 et seq., eligible individuals may petition the court for expungement of qualifying records. Even if a county agency destroys physical records, electronic copies may exist in state databases unless the record has been legally expunged by court order.
Old Records Access: Records predating electronic filing systems may require special in-person requests at the Lincoln County Courthouse. Some older records may be held in state archives. Members of the public seeking pre-digital records should contact the Clerk of District Court directly.
Federal Records: Criminal records maintained by the FBI are governed by federal law and separate retention rules. Federal records are not subject to Wyoming expungement orders and are maintained independently of state and county systems.
Practical Implications: Felony and misdemeanor convictions remain on criminal records permanently and appear on background checks. Employment background checks conducted under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) are subject to a seven-year reporting limitation for certain non-conviction records, though convictions may be reported without time limitation. Professional licensing boards may require full disclosure of criminal history regardless of the age of the record.