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Finding Court Records in Wyoming

Wyoming Courts Overview

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

Drug Courts:

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

Tribal Courts:

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 Cases = Most or all cases.     Some Cases = Some cases.

Case Type Court Type
Civil District Courts Circuit Courts Municipal Courts
General Civil - Unlimited Most or All Cases    
General Civil - Limited Some Cases Some Cases  
Small Claims   Most or All Cases  
Civil Equity Most or All Cases    
Complex Commercial Most or All Cases    
Foreclosures and Liens Some Cases Some Cases  
Real Estate Title and Boundary Most or All Cases    
Landlord / Tenant Some Cases Most or All Cases  
Ordinance Violations Some Cases Some Cases Some Cases
Protection, No Contact, and Restraining Orders Some Cases Some Cases  
Administrative Agency Appeals Most or All Cases    
Criminal District Courts Circuit Courts Municipal Courts
Felony Most or All Cases    
Felony Preliminary Hearings Some Cases Some Cases  
Misdemeanors Some Cases Most or All Cases  
Ordinance Violations Some Cases Most or All Cases Most or All Cases
Juvenile Most or All Cases    
Traffic and Infractions   Some Cases Some Cases
Domestic Relations District Courts Circuit Courts Municipal Courts
Divorce Most or All Cases    
Child Custody and Visitation Most or All Cases    
Child Support Most or All Cases    
Paternity Most or All Cases    
Domestic Violence Protection Order Most or All Cases Some Cases  
Juvenile District Courts Circuit Courts Municipal Courts
Adoptions Most or All Cases    
Juvenile Delinquency Most or All Cases    
Child Abuse and Neglect Most or All Cases    
Termination of Parental Rights Most or All Cases    
Children in Need of Supervision Most or All Cases    
Mental Health District Courts Circuit Courts Municipal Courts
Involuntary Commitments Most or All Cases    
Other Mental Health Cases Most or All Cases Some Cases  
Probate District Courts Circuit Courts Municipal Courts
Wills & Estates Most or All Cases    
Name Changes Most or All Cases    
Trusts Most or All Cases    
Guardianships and Conservatorships Most or All Cases    

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