Lincoln County Public Records /Lincoln County Warrant Search

Lincoln County Warrant Search

How To Check for Warrants in Lincoln County in 2026

LincolnWYRecords.us provides access to publicly available information that may include warrant records, arrest records, court case data, inmate rosters, and related criminal justice records for Lincoln County, Wyoming. Members of the public may use this resource to search for active warrants, bench warrants, and associated booking information. Record availability depends on the issuing agency and the status of the underlying case.

Members of the public seeking warrant information in Lincoln County may access records through several official channels, including the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, the Wyoming Judicial Branch court portal, and the Lincoln County Clerk's office. Online searches are available at no cost through these official government resources.

To search for warrant records online, members of the public may:

Visit the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office records requests page to submit a formal request for law enforcement records
Access the Wyoming Judicial Branch case search portal to review court case status, including active bench warrants
Review the Lincoln County inmate roster to identify individuals currently in custody following warrant execution
Search Lincoln County public records through the County Clerk's online portal for filed court documents

Why Check for Warrants:

Avoid unexpected arrest during a routine traffic stop or other law enforcement encounter
Resolve outstanding legal obligations proactively before they compound
Clear up misunderstandings resulting from identity errors or clerical mistakes
Handle legal matters responsibly and demonstrate good faith to the court
Obtain peace of mind by confirming no active warrants exist

Warning Signs You May Have a Warrant:

Missed a scheduled court appearance without notifying the court
Failed to pay court-ordered fines or fees within the required timeframe
Violated the terms of probation or a conditional release agreement
Received notice of pending charges and did not respond
A traffic stop resulted in release with a warning rather than a citation
Received a notice to appear and did not attend the scheduled hearing

Methods to Check for Warrants:

1. Online Warrant Search

The Wyoming Judicial Branch provides a public case search tool that allows members of the public to search by party name and review case status, including active bench warrants. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office does not currently maintain a standalone online warrant search portal; however, the inmate roster reflects individuals recently arrested on warrants. Searches are free, accessible to the public, and updated on a regular basis.

2. Call Law Enforcement

Members of the public may contact the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line to inquire about warrant status. Callers should provide their full legal name and date of birth. Anonymous inquiries may not be accommodated, and individuals should be aware that confirmation of an active warrant may prompt law enforcement action.

Lincoln County Sheriff's Office 925 Sage Avenue, Suite 201 Kemmerer, WY 83101 Phone: (307) 877-4466 Lincoln County Sheriff's Office

3. Visit the Sheriff's Office or Police Department

Members of the public may appear in person at the Sheriff's Office records window to request a warrant check. A valid government-issued photo identification is required. Individuals who present in person and are found to have an active warrant may be subject to immediate arrest. Some agencies permit inquiry without immediate arrest for certain low-level warrants, but this is at the discretion of the officer on duty.

Lincoln County Sheriff's Office 925 Sage Avenue, Suite 201 Kemmerer, WY 83101 Phone: (307) 877-4466 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Lincoln County Sheriff's Office

4. Contact the Court

The Lincoln County Circuit Court clerk can confirm whether a bench warrant has been issued in connection with a specific case. Court staff will not initiate an arrest, but the warrant remains active and enforceable until recalled or executed. Members of the public may also review case status through the Wyoming Judicial Branch online portal.

Lincoln County Circuit Court – Clerk of Court 925 Sage Avenue, Suite 101 Kemmerer, WY 83101 Phone: (307) 877-9056 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Wyoming Judicial Branch

5. Hire an Attorney

Retaining legal counsel is the safest method for individuals who suspect an active warrant may exist. Communications between an attorney and client are protected by attorney-client privilege. An attorney may verify warrant status, explain the nature of the charges, and arrange a voluntary surrender on terms that minimize disruption. The Wyoming State Bar provides attorney referral services at wyomingbar.org.

6. Third-Party Background Check Services

Commercial background check websites may display warrant information aggregated from public records. The accuracy and currency of such data varies considerably, and fees are charged for services that are available at no cost through official government sources. Members of the public are advised to verify any results obtained through commercial services against official county and court records.

What Information You'll Need:

Full legal name as it appears on government-issued identification
Any aliases or former names used
Date of birth
Social Security number (helpful but not always required)
Previous addresses within Lincoln County

Important Warnings:

Risk of Immediate Arrest: Presenting in person to law enforcement while an active warrant exists may result in immediate arrest. Deputies are obligated to execute valid warrants upon contact with the subject. Members of the public who suspect a warrant may exist are strongly advised to consult an attorney before making in-person inquiries.

Don't Delay: Warrants do not expire in Wyoming under standard circumstances. An unresolved warrant may result in additional charges, including failure to appear, and may be encountered during any routine law enforcement contact such as a traffic stop. Addressing the matter proactively is preferable to waiting.

What NOT to Do:

Do not ignore a possible warrant in the hope that it will be dismissed without action
Do not attempt to flee or evade law enforcement
Do not provide false identifying information to law enforcement officers
Do not resist arrest if a warrant is executed
Do not assume a warrant will expire or become unenforceable over time

What Is a Search Warrant in Lincoln County?

A search warrant is a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate that authorizes law enforcement officers to search a specified location and seize designated items or evidence. Search warrants are a foundational element of criminal procedure in Wyoming and are required by the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which protects individuals against unreasonable searches and seizures. The Wyoming Constitution, Article 1, Section 4, provides parallel protections at the state level.

Purpose of Search Warrants:

Protect the privacy rights of individuals against arbitrary government intrusion
Prevent unreasonable searches by requiring judicial authorization in advance
Balance the legitimate needs of law enforcement with individual constitutional rights
Ensure judicial oversight of police investigative actions
Provide a lawful mechanism for gathering evidence in criminal investigations

Constitutional Basis:

The Fourth Amendment requires that warrants be supported by probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and must particularly describe the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized. The Wyoming Constitution, Article 1, Section 4, mirrors these protections and has been interpreted by Wyoming courts to provide at least equivalent safeguards. A neutral and detached magistrate must review the application before any warrant is issued.

Legal Requirements:

Under Wyoming Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rule 41, a search warrant may be issued only upon a showing of probable cause supported by affidavit. The affidavit must establish a sufficient factual basis for the judge to conclude that evidence of a crime is likely to be found at the described location. The warrant must identify with particularity the place to be searched and the items to be seized, and it must be executed within the timeframe specified by the court.

When Search Warrants Are Used:

Drug offense investigations requiring entry into residences or vehicles
Theft and property crime investigations involving recovery of stolen goods
White-collar crime investigations targeting financial records
Violent crime investigations requiring collection of physical evidence
Digital evidence collection from computers, mobile phones, and storage devices
Contraband seizure operations

Difference from Other Warrants:

Warrant Type	Purpose
Search Warrant	Authorizes law enforcement to search a location and seize property
Arrest Warrant	Authorizes law enforcement to take a specific person into custody
Bench Warrant	Court order issued for failure to comply with a court directive

These warrant types are distinct legal instruments and are not interchangeable.

Are Warrants Public Records in Lincoln County?

Warrants in Lincoln County are subject to Wyoming's public records framework, and their accessibility depends on whether the warrant has been executed and whether any sealing order has been entered by the court. As the Lincoln County Clerk's office notes, "the records available online are scanned copies of the original public records filed at the County Clerk's office." The Wyoming Public Records Act, Wyo. Stat. § 16-4-201 et seq., establishes the general right of public access to government records while providing specific exemptions for active law enforcement investigations.

When Warrants Become Public:

Search Warrants:

Before execution, search warrants are sealed to protect the integrity of the investigation, prevent destruction of evidence, and preserve the element of surprise
After execution, the warrant, supporting affidavit, and inventory of seized items become part of the public court record and are accessible through the clerk of court

Arrest Warrants:

Active arrest warrants are accessible to the public and are entered into law enforcement databases
The subject's name, charges, bond amount, and issuing court are visible in public records
After arrest, the warrant becomes part of the court case file and remains a public record

Exceptions and Sealed Warrants:

Certain warrants may remain sealed by court order. Categories that may be subject to sealing include:

Warrants related to grand jury proceedings
Warrants in ongoing multi-agency investigations
National security matters
Cases involving confidential informants
Juvenile proceedings
Warrants employing sensitive investigative techniques

The duration of sealing is determined by the issuing judge and may extend for months or years. Most warrants eventually become accessible to the public, though specific portions may be permanently redacted to protect informant identities or investigative methods.

What's Publicly Available:

Active arrest warrant information searchable through law enforcement databases
Executed search warrant documents filed with the court
Probable cause affidavits supporting executed warrants
Inventories of items seized pursuant to search warrants
Court case files that include warrant documentation

What's Restricted:

Unexecuted search warrants pending execution
Warrants sealed by judicial order
Confidential informant identifying information
Descriptions of covert investigative techniques
Grand jury materials

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

Members of the public may access warrant-related records through the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office and the Lincoln County Clerk's office. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office records requests page notes that reports must be approved by the County Attorney's Office prior to release and that active cases are not available. Standard fees applicable to public records requests in Wyoming are governed by Wyo. Stat. § 16-4-201 et seq.

Record Type	Standard Fee
Document inspection (in person)	No charge
Paper copies	$0.10–$0.25 per page (varies by office)
Certified copies	$1.00–$5.00 per document (varies by court)
Electronic copies	Varies; some records provided at no cost
Search fee	Not charged for standard name-based searches

Accepted Payment Methods:

Cash
Check or money order payable to the applicable county office
Credit or debit card (accepted at some offices; confirm in advance)

Fee Waivers:

Wyoming law permits agencies to waive or reduce fees when disclosure is in the public interest and the requester demonstrates financial hardship or a public benefit purpose. Requests for fee waivers must be submitted in writing with supporting documentation.

What Is Available at No Cost:

Online case status searches through the Wyoming Judicial Branch portal
Review of the Lincoln County inmate roster
In-person inspection of public records at the Clerk's office without copying

What Types of Warrants in Lincoln County

Lincoln County courts and law enforcement agencies issue several categories of warrants, each serving a distinct legal function under Wyoming law.

Criminal Warrants:

1. Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant is a court order authorizing law enforcement to take a named individual into custody based on a finding of probable cause that the person has committed a criminal offense. Arrest warrants are issued by district or circuit court judges upon presentation of a sworn affidavit by a law enforcement officer or prosecutor.

When Issued:

Felony charges have been filed and the suspect is not in custody
A grand jury has returned an indictment
A suspect presents a flight risk prior to formal charging
Serious misdemeanor charges warrant judicial authorization for arrest

Information in an Arrest Warrant:

Subject's full legal name, aliases, and physical description
Specific criminal charges and statute violations
Bond amount set by the court
Name of the issuing court and judge
Date of issuance and judge's signature

How Executed:

Law enforcement locates the subject and effects the arrest
Arrest may occur at any location, including the subject's residence, workplace, or during a traffic stop
Subject is transported to the Lincoln County Detention Center, booked, and processed
A first appearance hearing is scheduled before the court

2. Bench Warrants

A bench warrant is issued directly by a judge during the course of court proceedings, most frequently for a defendant's failure to appear at a scheduled hearing or failure to comply with a court order. Bench warrants are among the most common warrant types issued in Lincoln County.

Common Reasons:

Failure to appear at a scheduled court date
Failure to pay court-ordered fines or restitution
Violation of probation conditions
Contempt of court
Failure to complete community service hours
Non-compliance with other court-imposed obligations

Differences from Arrest Warrants:

Issued for court-related violations rather than new criminal conduct
Bond amounts are frequently lower than those set for new criminal charges
May be recalled by the court if the underlying issue is resolved promptly
In some circumstances, may be addressed without a period of incarceration

Resolving Bench Warrants:

Contact the Lincoln County Circuit Court at (307) 877-9056 to inquire about options
Pay outstanding fines or fees to satisfy the court's order
Retain an attorney to file a motion to recall the warrant
Arrange voluntary surrender through legal counsel

3. Search Warrants

A search warrant authorizes law enforcement to enter and search a specifically described location and to seize items identified in the warrant. As discussed above, search warrants must satisfy the probable cause and particularity requirements of the Fourth Amendment and Wyoming Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rule 41.

What Can Be Searched:

Private residences and outbuildings
Vehicles
Commercial premises
Storage units
Electronic devices including computers and mobile phones
Financial records and documents

Types of Items Seized:

Contraband and illegal substances
Stolen property
Weapons
Documentary evidence of criminal activity
Digital data and electronic records

4. No-Knock Warrants

A no-knock warrant is a specialized form of search warrant that authorizes law enforcement to enter a premises without prior announcement. Issuance requires a heightened showing that announcement would create a risk of evidence destruction, endanger officers, or that the subject is known to be violent or armed. Wyoming courts apply additional scrutiny to no-knock applications, and the warrant must specifically authorize no-knock entry.

5. Governor's Warrants (Extradition)

When a fugitive from another state is located in Wyoming, the requesting state may seek extradition through the Wyoming Governor's office. The Governor issues a governor's warrant authorizing the arrest and transfer of the individual to the requesting jurisdiction. The subject may challenge extradition or waive the process and consent to transfer. Extradition proceedings are governed by the Uniform Criminal Extradition Act as adopted in Wyoming.

6. Capias Warrants (Civil Contempt)

A capias warrant may be issued in civil proceedings, most frequently in matters involving failure to pay court-ordered child support or other civil contempt situations. Although arising from non-criminal proceedings, a capias warrant authorizes arrest and detention until the subject satisfies a purge amount set by the court.

7. Material Witness Warrants

A material witness warrant may be issued to compel the appearance of a witness who has failed to respond to a subpoena or who is believed to be evading service. These warrants are relatively uncommon but may be issued when a witness's testimony is essential to a criminal proceeding.

Traffic Warrants:

Failure to appear on a traffic citation or failure to pay traffic fines may result in the issuance of a bench warrant. Traffic warrants typically carry lower bond amounts and may be resolved by paying the underlying fine and any associated failure-to-appear fees.

Probation and Parole Violation Warrants:

When a probation officer or parole authority determines that a supervised individual has violated the terms of supervision, a warrant may be issued for the individual's arrest. These warrants frequently carry no bond or a high bond amount, and the subject is entitled to a revocation hearing before the court.

Federal Warrants:

Federal warrants are issued by United States District Court judges and magistrate judges and are separate from county-level warrants. Federal warrants are enforced by federal agencies including the FBI, DEA, ATF, and U.S. Marshals Service. Lincoln County falls within the jurisdiction of the U.S. District Court for the District of Wyoming.

U.S. District Court for the District of Wyoming 2120 Capitol Avenue Cheyenne, WY 82001 Phone: (307) 433-2120 U.S. District Court – District of Wyoming

What Warrants in Lincoln County Contain

Warrants issued in Lincoln County follow a standardized format consistent with Wyoming court rules and constitutional requirements. The specific contents vary by warrant type.

Standard Information in All Warrants:

Header Information:

Court name and seal
Case number and warrant number
Name of the issuing judge
Date of issuance
Court division

Subject Identification:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth
Physical description including height, weight, race, eye color, hair color, and identifying marks
Last known address
Driver's license number or Social Security number where applicable

Legal Authority:

Citation to applicable Wyoming statute or court rule
Command directed to all law enforcement officers in Wyoming
Statement of the court's jurisdiction

Specific to Arrest Warrants:

Charges Section:

Specific criminal offense or offenses charged
Wyoming statute number violated
Degree of offense (felony class or misdemeanor level)
Number of counts
Date of the alleged offense

Probable Cause Statement:

Summary of facts supporting the arrest
Reference to the supporting affidavit or criminal complaint
Officer's sworn attestation

Bond Information:

Bond amount
Type of bond authorized (cash, surety, personal recognizance, or no bond)
Conditions of release if bond is posted

Execution Instructions:

Authorization to arrest the subject anywhere within Wyoming
Instructions for bringing the subject before the court
Special cautions if the subject is considered armed, dangerous, or a flight risk

Specific to Search Warrants:

Premises Description:

Complete street address of the location to be searched
Physical description of the structure including color, type, and distinguishing features
Unit or apartment number where applicable
Cross streets and GPS coordinates in some cases

Items to Be Seized:

Specific description of evidence sought
Categories of items including contraband, stolen property, documentary evidence, and digital devices

Probable Cause Affidavit:

Detailed sworn statement by the investigating officer
Summary of the investigation and evidence gathered
Nexus between the described location and the criminal activity
Timeliness of the information supporting probable cause

Time Limitations:

Date of issuance and expiration date
Authorization for daytime or nighttime execution
Return requirements specifying when the warrant must be returned to the court with an inventory of seized items

Specific to Bench Warrants:

Court Order Violation:

Original case number and charges
Specific court date missed or obligation not fulfilled
Amount of unpaid fines or fees

Resolution Information:

Purge amount required for release
Conditions for recall of the warrant
Court contact information for scheduling

Confidential Portions:

Certain portions of warrants may be sealed or redacted, including informant identities, descriptions of covert investigative techniques, addresses of protected witnesses, and details of ongoing investigations.

Who Issues Warrants in Lincoln County

Warrants in Lincoln County are issued exclusively by members of the judiciary. Under the Fourth Amendment and Wyoming law, law enforcement officers and prosecutors do not have independent authority to issue warrants; judicial oversight is constitutionally required.

Judges and Courts with Authority:

1. Wyoming District Court

The Wyoming District Court is the court of general jurisdiction in Lincoln County and has full authority to issue all categories of warrants, including felony arrest warrants, search warrants, and bench warrants in district court cases.

Lincoln County District Court 925 Sage Avenue, Suite 101 Kemmerer, WY 83101 Phone: (307) 877-9056 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Wyoming Judicial Branch

2. Wyoming Circuit Court

The Wyoming Circuit Court handles misdemeanor criminal matters, traffic cases, and civil cases within its jurisdictional limits. Circuit court judges issue bench warrants, misdemeanor arrest warrants, and search warrants in cases within their jurisdiction.

Lincoln County Circuit Court 925 Sage Avenue, Suite 101 Kemmerer, WY 83101 Phone: (307) 877-9056 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Wyoming Judicial Branch

3. Magistrates and Court Commissioners

Wyoming courts may appoint magistrates or commissioners with authority to issue initial arrest warrants, search warrants, and set bond amounts. Magistrates are available after regular court hours for urgent warrant applications and first appearance hearings.

Who Requests Warrants:

County Sheriff's Office: Deputies and investigators with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office conduct criminal investigations, prepare sworn affidavits establishing probable cause, and present warrant applications to the court. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement services to all unincorporated areas of Lincoln County.

Lincoln County Attorney's Office: The Lincoln County Attorney reviews investigations, determines charges, and requests arrest warrants in felony and serious misdemeanor cases. The County Attorney's office also reviews law enforcement reports prior to release, as noted on the records requests page.

Lincoln County Attorney's Office 925 Sage Avenue, Suite 301 Kemmerer, WY 83101 Phone: (307) 877-2440 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

State Law Enforcement: The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation conducts statewide criminal investigations and may present warrant applications in Lincoln County courts for matters within its jurisdiction, including drug offenses and financial crimes.

The Warrant Issuance Process:

Investigation – Law enforcement gathers evidence, interviews witnesses, and documents findings sufficient to establish probable cause
Affidavit Preparation – The investigating officer prepares a sworn affidavit detailing the facts supporting the warrant application
Presentation to Judge – The officer or prosecutor presents the affidavit to a judge or magistrate, who may ask questions under oath
Judicial Review – The judge independently assesses whether probable cause exists and whether constitutional requirements are satisfied
Warrant Signed or Denied – If approved, the judge signs the warrant, which becomes effective immediately; if denied, the officer may supplement the application or decline to proceed
Execution – The warrant is entered into law enforcement databases, including the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), and officers proceed with arrest or search

After-Hours Warrants:

An on-call judge or magistrate is available after regular court hours for urgent warrant applications. Officers may present warrant applications by telephone or through Wyoming's electronic warrant system where available. Telephonic and electronic warrants carry the same legal authority as warrants signed in person.

Who CANNOT Issue Warrants:

Law enforcement officers acting without judicial authorization
Prosecutors acting independently without judicial review
Administrative agencies (with narrow statutory exceptions)
Private citizens

How To Find Outstanding Warrants in Lincoln County

An outstanding warrant is one that has been issued by a court but has not yet been executed — meaning the subject has not been arrested or the search has not been conducted. Outstanding warrants remain active and enforceable indefinitely in most circumstances and may be encountered during any law enforcement contact.

Methods to Find Outstanding Warrants:

1. Online Warrant and Case Search

The Wyoming Judicial Branch provides a public case search tool that allows members of the public to search by party name and review case status, including whether a bench warrant is active in a given case. This resource is free and accessible at any time. The Lincoln County inmate roster reflects individuals recently taken into custody, which may indicate recent warrant executions.

2. Direct Contact with the Sheriff's Office

Members of the public may contact the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office by telephone to inquire about outstanding warrants. Staff can check the warrant database by name and date of birth. Individuals who present in person and are found to have an active warrant may be subject to immediate arrest.

Lincoln County Sheriff's Office 925 Sage Avenue, Suite 201 Kemmerer, WY 83101 Phone: (307) 877-4466 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Lincoln County Sheriff's Office

3. Clerk of Court

The Lincoln County Circuit Court clerk can confirm whether a bench warrant is active in connection with a specific case. Court staff will not initiate an arrest, but the warrant remains enforceable. Members of the public may also use public access terminals at the courthouse to search case records.

Lincoln County Circuit Court – Clerk of Court 925 Sage Avenue, Suite 101 Kemmerer, WY 83101 Phone: (307) 877-9056 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Wyoming Judicial Branch

4. Through an Attorney

Retaining an attorney is the safest method for individuals who believe an outstanding warrant may exist against them. Attorney-client communications are privileged, and the attorney may verify warrant status, explain the legal consequences, and arrange a voluntary surrender under controlled conditions that minimize the risk of an unplanned arrest.

5. Statewide Resources

The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation maintains statewide criminal justice databases and may have information on warrants issued across multiple Wyoming counties. The Wyoming Judicial Branch case search portal also permits searches across all Wyoming courts.

Search Multiple Jurisdictions:

Warrants may be issued by different courts and entered into different databases. Members of the public with legal history in multiple Wyoming counties or municipalities should check:

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office
Each municipal police department in cities where the individual has resided or worked
The Wyoming Judicial Branch portal for statewide case records
Traffic courts and probation offices where applicable

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name as it appears on government-issued identification
Any aliases or former names
Date of birth
Social Security number (helpful but not always required)
Previous addresses in Lincoln County
Case numbers if known

Interpreting Search Results:

If a Warrant Is Found:

Record the warrant number, charges, bond amount, issuing court, and issue date
Retain an attorney before taking any further action
Do not attempt to flee or evade law enforcement
An attorney may arrange voluntary surrender and negotiate bond conditions

If No Warrant Is Found:

Verify results through multiple official sources, as recently issued warrants may not yet appear in all databases
Consider attorney verification for definitive confirmation

Limitations of Online Searches:

Warrants issued within the past 24–72 hours may not yet appear in public databases
Sealed warrants will not be visible in public search results
Federal warrants are not reflected in county databases
Common names may return multiple results requiring verification by date of birth and other identifiers

Warning About Third-Party Websites:

Commercial background check services may charge fees for warrant information that is available at no cost through official government sources. The accuracy and currency of commercial data varies, and members of the public are advised to verify any results against official county and court records. Some websites falsely claim to have found warrants as a tactic to sell services; any such claim should be verified through official channels before action is taken.

What to Do If You Find a Warrant:

Do not panic; record all available warrant details
Retain an attorney before taking any further action
Do not discuss the matter with anyone other than legal counsel
Allow the attorney to verify the warrant and explain the charges
Work with the attorney to arrange voluntary surrender on agreed terms
Appear in court as directed and comply with all court orders

Voluntary surrender, arranged through counsel, is preferable to an unplanned arrest. Courts frequently view voluntary surrender favorably, and the process allows the attorney to be present from the outset to protect the client's rights.

How Long Do Warrants Last In Lincoln County?

Warrants issued in Lincoln County do not expire under standard Wyoming law. Arrest warrants and bench warrants remain active and enforceable until one of three events occurs: the warrant is executed and the subject is taken into custody, the issuing court recalls or quashes the warrant, or the underlying case is dismissed. There is no statutory time limit on the enforceability of a criminal arrest warrant or bench warrant in Wyoming.

Search warrants are subject to a specific execution deadline. Under Wyoming Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rule 41, a search warrant must be executed within the time specified by the issuing judge, which is at present ten days from the date of issuance unless the court specifies a shorter period. A search warrant that is not executed within the authorized timeframe becomes void and may not be used to justify a search.

The practical consequence of the indefinite duration of arrest and bench warrants is that individuals with outstanding warrants remain at risk of arrest during any law enforcement encounter, including routine traffic stops, regardless of how much time has passed since the warrant was issued. Warrants entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide, meaning an outstanding Lincoln County warrant may result in arrest in any other state.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Search Warrant In Lincoln County?

The time required to obtain a search warrant in Lincoln County depends on the complexity of the investigation, the availability of the reviewing judge, and whether the application is submitted during regular court hours or on an emergency basis. In straightforward cases where probable cause is well-documented, a search warrant may be reviewed and signed within a matter of hours. Complex investigations involving extensive affidavits or novel legal questions may require additional time for judicial review.

The process follows this general order:

The investigating officer completes the sworn affidavit establishing probable cause, which may take hours to days depending on the investigation
The affidavit and proposed warrant are submitted to a judge or magist