Natrona County Public Records /Natrona County Court Records

Natrona County Court Records

What Is Natrona County Court Records

Court records in Natrona County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of legal actions and decisions maintained by various courts operating within Natrona County jurisdiction. Pursuant to Wyoming Public Records Act § 16-4-201, court records are defined as information that is created, collected, processed, or maintained by a court in connection with a judicial proceeding.

Court records typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and petitions
Docket sheets documenting chronological case activities
Judicial orders and final judgments
Hearing and trial transcripts
Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
Sentencing and disposition records in criminal matters
Marriage and divorce decrees
Probate documents and estate settlements

Court records differ from other public records such as property deeds, birth certificates, and tax assessments, which are maintained by the Natrona County Clerk's office rather than judicial authorities.

In Natrona County, court records are maintained by several judicial bodies, including:

District Court (7th Judicial District)
Circuit Court
Juvenile Court
Municipal Courts (Casper, Mills, Evansville)

These courts handle various case types including civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate proceedings, traffic violations, and small claims disputes. The Wyoming Judicial Branch oversees the statewide court system, including courts operating within Natrona County.

Are Court Records Public In Natrona County

Court records in Natrona County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Wyoming's open records laws and constitutional principles of open courts. The Wyoming Public Records Act § 16-4-202 establishes the presumption that government records, including court records, shall be available for public inspection and copying. Additionally, Article 1, Section 8 of the Wyoming Constitution guarantees that "all courts shall be open."

The following court records are typically available for public access:

Civil case files (with certain exceptions for sealed documents)
Criminal case files (post-charging)
Court dockets and calendars
Judgments and court orders
Marriage and divorce records
Probate proceedings
Small claims actions

However, certain records may be restricted from public access under Wyoming law. According to Wyoming Statute § 16-4-203, exceptions to public disclosure include:

Juvenile court proceedings (unless specifically ordered by the court)
Adoption records
Mental health proceedings
Certain family court matters involving minors
Records sealed by judicial order
Grand jury proceedings
Cases involving sexual assault victims
Certain domestic violence proceedings

The Wyoming Supreme Court Rules further govern access to court records, balancing the public's right to information with privacy interests and the administration of justice. Federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Wyoming are governed by federal access policies rather than state regulations.

How To Find Court Records in Natrona County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Natrona County may utilize several methods to locate and access judicial documents. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining court records:

In-Person Requests:

Visit the appropriate courthouse where the case was filed.
Complete a records request form available at the clerk's office.
Provide case identification information (case number, party names, filing date).
Present valid photo identification.
Pay applicable search and copying fees.

Natrona County District Court Clerk's Office
200 N. Center St., Room 115
Casper, WY 82601
(307) 235-9243
Clerk of District Court

Written Requests:

Submit a written request to the appropriate court clerk.
Include specific case information and documents requested.
Provide contact information and preferred delivery method.
Enclose payment for search and copying fees.
Allow 5-10 business days for processing.

Online Access:

Access the Wyoming Judicial Branch website.
Navigate to the appropriate court's records portal.
Register for an account if required.
Enter search criteria (case number, party name, date range).
Pay any applicable online access fees.
View or download available documents.

For certified copies of court records, requestors must specifically indicate this requirement on their request form and pay additional certification fees. Pursuant to Wyoming Court Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 5, courts may charge reasonable fees for document searches and reproduction.

How To Look Up Court Records in Natrona County Online?

Natrona County offers several digital platforms for accessing court records electronically. These online resources provide convenient alternatives to in-person courthouse visits. The following online systems are currently available for searching court records:

Wyoming Judicial Branch Public Portal:

The Wyoming Judicial Branch maintains a statewide case management system with public access components. To utilize this resource:

Navigate to the Wyoming Judicial Branch website.
Select "Case Search" from the main navigation menu.
Choose Natrona County from the jurisdiction dropdown.
Enter search parameters (case number, party name, filing date).
Review the list of matching cases.
Select specific cases to view available information.

This portal provides access to case summaries, party information, scheduled hearings, and case status updates for District and Circuit Court cases.

Natrona County Court Records Search:

The Natrona County Court Cases portal offers a dedicated search function for local court records:

Visit the Natrona County government website.
Navigate to the Court Cases section.
Select the appropriate court (District, Circuit).
Enter search criteria in the provided fields.
Review search results and select cases of interest.
Access available document summaries and case information.

Wyoming e-Filing System:

For attorneys and registered users, the Wyoming e-Filing system provides comprehensive access to electronically filed court documents:

Log in to the secure e-Filing portal.
Navigate to the document search function.
Enter case-specific search criteria.
View and download available documents.
Monitor case activity and updates.

It should be noted that certain document types and case categories may not be available through online portals due to confidentiality restrictions. Additionally, older court records that have not been digitized may require in-person requests at the appropriate courthouse.

How To Search Natrona County Court Records for Free?

Wyoming law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Pursuant to Wyoming Statute § 16-4-204, "the right of inspection of public records and documents may be exercised at no cost." The following methods allow for free access to Natrona County court records:

Courthouse Public Access Terminals:

Visit the Natrona County courthouse during regular business hours.
Request to use the public access computer terminals.
Search case information using available parameters.
View documents on-screen at no charge.

Natrona County District Court
200 N. Center St.
Casper, WY 82601
(307) 235-9243
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
District Court, 7th Judicial District

Natrona County Circuit Court
115 North Center, Suite 400
Casper, WY 82601
(307) 235-9391
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Circuit Court of the 7th Judicial District

Free Online Resources:

The Wyoming Judicial Branch website offers limited free access to basic case information:

Navigate to the Wyoming Judicial Branch website.
Select "Public Case Search" from the available options.
Enter search criteria for Natrona County cases.
View basic case information at no charge.

While basic case information is available without cost, fees may apply for:

Printed copies of documents ($1.00 per page)
Certified copies ($5.00 per document plus copy fees)
Research assistance from court staff ($20.00 per hour after first hour)
Electronic document downloads from certain systems

The Wyoming State Archives also maintains historical court records that may be accessed without charge for on-site research.

What's Included in a Natrona County Court Record?

Natrona County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type and court jurisdiction, but typically include the following components:

Civil Case Records:

Complaint or petition initiating the action
Summons and proof of service
Defendant's answer or response
Motions filed by either party
Court orders and rulings on motions
Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
Witness and exhibit lists
Trial transcripts (if prepared)
Final judgment or dismissal order
Post-judgment motions and orders
Appeal documents (if applicable)

Criminal Case Records:

Charging documents (information or indictment)
Arrest warrant or summons
Bail and bond information
Defendant's plea
Pretrial motions and orders
Evidence suppression hearings
Plea agreements
Trial transcripts (if prepared)
Verdict or judgment
Sentencing documents
Probation reports (may be confidential)
Appeal documents (if applicable)

Probate Records:

Petition for probate
Death certificate
Will (if testate) or intestacy documents
Inventory of estate assets
Claims against the estate
Notices to creditors and heirs
Accounting reports
Distribution orders
Final decree closing the estate

Family Court Records:

Petition for divorce or separation
Child custody and support documents
Parenting plans
Financial affidavits
Property settlement agreements
Temporary orders
Final decree or judgment
Post-judgment modification requests

Each court record also contains a register of actions or docket sheet that chronologically lists all activities in the case, including filings, hearings, and judicial actions. This serves as an index to the complete case file and provides a procedural history of the litigation.

How Long Does Natrona County Keep Court Records?

Natrona County courts maintain records according to retention schedules established by the Wyoming Supreme Court and state archives. The Wyoming Court Records Retention Schedule, administered under Wyoming Statute § 9-2-406, governs the preservation and disposition of judicial documents. Retention periods vary based on case type, significance, and historical value:

Permanent Retention:

All District Court case files (felonies, major civil litigation, probate)
Judgment dockets and indexes
Adoption records
Real property cases
Wills and estate settlements
Mental health commitments
Juvenile proceedings
Marriage and divorce records
Court minutes and journals

Extended Retention (25+ years):

Felony criminal cases (after case closure)
Civil cases involving real property
Domestic relations cases with minor children
Guardianship and conservatorship files

Medium-Term Retention (7-15 years):

Misdemeanor criminal cases
Civil cases not involving real property
Small claims proceedings
Traffic violations (non-DUI)
Domestic relations without minor children

Short-Term Retention (3-5 years):

Minor traffic infractions
Parking violations
Administrative proceedings
Temporary restraining orders (after expiration)

After the prescribed retention period expires, non-permanent records may be destroyed according to approved disposition procedures. However, the Wyoming State Archives may select certain records for permanent preservation based on their historical or research value.

Digital court records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper documents, though the storage medium differs. The Wyoming Judicial Branch has implemented digital preservation strategies to ensure long-term access to electronic court records.

Types of Courts In Natrona County

Natrona County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and authority. These courts operate within Wyoming's unified court system under the administrative oversight of the Wyoming Supreme Court.

District Court, 7th Judicial District
200 N. Center St., Room 115
Casper, WY 82601
(307) 235-9243
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
District Court, 7th Judicial District

The District Court is Natrona County's court of general jurisdiction, handling major civil litigation, felony criminal cases, juvenile matters, probate proceedings, and domestic relations cases. Three district judges preside over this court.

Circuit Court of the 7th Judicial District
115 North Center, Suite 400
Casper, WY 82601
(307) 235-9391
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Circuit Court of the 7th Judicial District

The Circuit Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, small claims (under $6,000), civil matters under $50,000, traffic violations, preliminary hearings in felony cases, and landlord-tenant disputes.

Casper Municipal Court
201 N. David St.
Casper, WY 82601
(307) 235-8267
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Casper Municipal Court

This court handles violations of Casper city ordinances, including traffic infractions, public nuisance violations, and minor criminal offenses occurring within city limits.

Mills Municipal Court
704 4th Ave.
Mills, WY 82644
(307) 266-2555
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Mills Municipal Court

This court adjudicates violations of Mills city ordinances within municipal boundaries.

Evansville Municipal Court
235 Curtis St.
Evansville, WY 82636
(307) 234-6530
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Evansville Municipal Court

This court handles violations of Evansville municipal ordinances.

Wyoming's court hierarchy establishes a clear appellate structure. Appeals from Municipal Courts proceed to Circuit Court. Appeals from Circuit Court decisions go to District Court. Appeals from District Court rulings are heard by the Wyoming Supreme Court, the state's highest judicial authority.

What Types of Cases Do Natrona County Courts Hear?

Natrona County's various courts adjudicate distinct categories of cases according to their statutory jurisdiction. Each court is authorized to hear specific matter types as defined by Wyoming law.

District Court Cases:

Felony criminal prosecutions
Civil litigation exceeding $50,000 in controversy
Real property disputes and quiet title actions
Probate and estate administration
Guardianships and conservatorships
Divorce and child custody proceedings
Juvenile delinquency and dependency cases
Mental health commitments
Appeals from Circuit Court decisions
Administrative agency appeals
Complex commercial litigation

The Natrona County District Court maintains records dating back to the 1890s and serves as the primary court of general jurisdiction.

Circuit Court Cases:

Misdemeanor criminal offenses
Civil actions under $50,000
Small claims proceedings (up to $6,000)
Forcible entry and detainer (evictions)
Stalking and domestic violence protection orders
Traffic violations (state law)
Preliminary hearings in felony cases
Municipal court appeals
Contract disputes under jurisdictional limit
Personal injury claims under jurisdictional limit

Municipal Court Cases:

Violations of city ordinances
Municipal traffic infractions
Public nuisance violations
Animal control violations
Building code violations
Minor criminal offenses within city limits
Parking violations
Public intoxication
Disturbing the peace
Local business licensing violations

The Wyoming Chancery Court, while not physically located in Natrona County, has statewide jurisdiction over certain business and commercial disputes that may involve Natrona County entities. This specialized court handles complex business cases, corporate governance disputes, and commercial litigation.

Case assignment within the District Court is managed through a rotation system among the three district judges, with certain specialized case types (such as juvenile matters) sometimes assigned to specific judges with expertise in those areas.

How To Find a Court Docket In Natrona County

Court dockets in Natrona County provide chronological listings of scheduled court proceedings and filed documents in active cases. These records are essential for tracking case progress and upcoming hearings. Several methods exist for accessing court dockets:

Online Docket Access:

Visit the Wyoming Judicial Branch website.
Select "Court Calendars" from the main navigation.
Choose "Natrona County" from the jurisdiction options.
Select the specific court (District or Circuit).
View daily or weekly hearing schedules.
Search by case number, party name, or date range.

For case-specific docket information:

Navigate to the Natrona County Court Cases portal.
Enter the case number or party name.
Review the register of actions showing all docket entries.
Note scheduled hearing dates and document filings.

In-Person Docket Review:

Court dockets may be examined in person at the respective courthouse:

District Court Clerk's Office
200 N. Center St., Room 115
Casper, WY 82601
(307) 235-9243
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Circuit Court Clerk's Office
115 North Center, Suite 400
Casper, WY 82601
(307) 235-9391
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Visitors may request to view:

Daily hearing schedules
Case-specific docket sheets
Master court calendars
Upcoming trial schedules

Telephone Information:

Limited docket information may be obtained by telephone:

Contact the appropriate court clerk's office.
Provide the case number or party names.
Request specific hearing dates or case status.
Note that detailed docket information may require in-person or online access.

Pursuant to Wyoming Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 79, court clerks must maintain a docket of all cases containing entries for each action taken in the case. These dockets are public records unless specifically sealed by court order.

Which Courts in Natrona County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Wyoming's judicial system, courts are classified as either "courts of record" or "courts not of record" based on their procedural requirements and record-keeping practices. According to Wyoming Statute § 5-4-101, courts of record must maintain comprehensive verbatim records of proceedings and follow strict procedural rules, while courts not of record operate with simplified procedures and maintain only summary records.

Courts Not of Record in Natrona County:

Casper Municipal Court
201 N. David St.
Casper, WY 82601
(307) 235-8267
Mills Municipal Court
704 4th Ave.
Mills, WY 82644
(307) 266-2555
Evansville Municipal Court
235 Curtis St.
Evansville, WY 82636
(307) 234-6530

These municipal courts are not courts of record because:

They do not routinely create verbatim transcripts of proceedings
They maintain only summary records of dispositions
They follow simplified procedural rules
Appeals from these courts result in de novo trials (completely new proceedings) in Circuit Court

Characteristics of Courts Not of Record:

Proceedings are typically not recorded by court reporters
Judges are often not required to be attorneys
Formal rules of evidence may be applied less stringently
Limited jurisdiction over minor offenses and violations
Simplified procedures for self-represented litigants
Appeals are heard "de novo" (completely new trial) rather than based on the record

In contrast, Natrona County's District Court and Circuit Court are courts of record that maintain comprehensive documentation of all proceedings. The District Court creates and preserves verbatim transcripts of hearings and trials, while the Circuit Court maintains audio recordings of proceedings that can be transcribed if needed for appeals.

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record significantly affects how appeals are handled and what documentation is available for public inspection.