Finding Court Records in Wyoming

It helps to understand how the Wyoming state court system works when you’re trying to find court records. The Wyoming trial court system consists of District Courts, Circuit Courts, and Municipal Courts.

District Courts have general jurisdiction over all civil and criminal cases and typically handle cases beyond the jurisdiction of other courts. Circuit Courts and Municipal Courts have limited jurisdiction over certain types of cases.

If you prefer, you can start your search by going to Wyoming Courts by County.

Wyoming District Courts

District Courts have general jurisdiction over all criminal and civil cases, but typically handle cases that are beyond the jurisdiction of other courts.

Criminal cases heard by District Courts include felonies, lesser-included offenses and some misdemeanors. District Courts may impose certain penalties in some ordinance violation cases, but most ordinance violation cases are heard by Municipal Courts or Circuit Courts.

Civil cases heard by District Courts include general civil claims beyond the jurisdiction of Circuit Courts. District Courts also handle juvenile matters, probate matters, domestic relations and cases requesting injunctive relief.

District Courts have a Juvenile Court division with general jurisdiction over certain types of cases, including juvenile delinquency, child neglect, children in need of supervision and judicial consent to abortion. Municipal Courts may handle some municipal ordinance violations with juvenile defendants.

Wyoming Circuit Courts

Circuit Courts have jurisdiction over certain types of civil and criminal cases.

Criminal cases heard by Circuit Courts include misdemeanors and felony preliminary hearings. Circuit Courts have original jurisdiction over misdemeanors and share jurisdiction over misdemeanors with District Courts. Circuit Courts may handle municipal ordinance violations with the agreement of a municipality.

Civil cases heard by Circuit Courts include most general civil claims not exceeding $50,000, exclusive of court costs. Circuit Courts also handle civil family violence protection cases. Civil cases handled by a Circuit Court include claims for the recovery of money, claims for the recovery of personal property, landlord-tenant cases, foreclosures and enforcements of certain liens, small claims cases and the disposal of abandoned vehicles.

Circuit Courts have replaced Justice of the Peace Courts and exercise the jurisdiction previously granted to Justice of the Peace Courts.

Wyoming Municipal Courts

Municipal Courts handle most municipal ordinance violations. Municipal Courts may handle some ordinance violations with juvenile defendants.

Municipal Courts have exclusive jurisdiction over most municipal ordinance violations, and this jurisdiction is limited to the extent that District Courts have jurisdiction to grant injunctive relief and impose civil penalties authorized by certain types of ordinances.

Circuit Courts may handle municipal ordinance violations with the agreement of a municipality.

Wyoming Court Notes

Some Wyoming courts may operate Drug Court divisions for certain types of eligible criminal cases.

Wyoming has an independent Tribal Court system. Some Tribal Court orders may be recognized by Wyoming state trial courts.

Where to Find Court Cases in Wyoming

The chart below gives general information on the types of cases heard in each type of Wyoming court.

= Most or all cases. = Some cases.